First Nations Christmas Story (3)

The First Nations Version New Testament was birthed out of a desire to provide an English Bible that connects, in a culturally relevant way, to the traditional heart languages of the over six million English-speaking First Nations people of North America.

I thought it might be of interest to you to present the Christmas story from this version. Hopefully it will help you understand the story in some new nuances and insights.

Reading notes: In an effort to present the story as a narrative, at times reasonable implied story lines are added within, above and below the text. These lines are italicized. Also, Native naming traditions are followed for the proper names in the story, but the more well-known names are added in parentheses with font size reduced to help the reader’s eyes skip over them if desired.

BITTER TEARS

When six moons had passed, the Great Spirit sent the same spirit-messenger, Creator’s Mighty One (Gabriel), to another small, out-of-the-way place in the hill country called Seed Planter Village (Nazareth). There he appeared to a young virgin woman named Bitter Tears (Mary), who was promised in marriage to a man named He Gives Sons (Joseph), a descendant of the great chief Much Loved One (David)

Creator’s Mighty One (Gabriel) said to her, “Greetings, highly favored one! You are close to the Great Spirit and greatly honored among women.”

Bitter Tears (Mary) was deeply troubled by this greeting and wondered what the spirit-messenger would say.

“Do not fear,” he comforted her, “for you have found goodwill in the eyes of the Great Mystery. You will be with child and give birth to a son. You will name him Creator Sets Free (Jesus).”

It seemed like time stood still, and all creation stopped to listen as the messenger continued to speak.

“He will be greatly honored, the Son of the One Above Us All. He will be a great chief like his ancestor Much Loved One (David) and will sit in his seat of honor. He will always be chief over the tribes of Wrestles with Creator (Israel). His chiefly guidance will never end.”

Bitter Tears’s (Mary’s) voice trembled with emotion, and her eyes grew wide as she looked into the face of the spirit-messenger.

She asked, “How will this be, since I have never been with a man?”

Creator’s Mighty One (Gabriel) answered, “The Holy Spirit will spread his wings over you, and his great power from above will overshadow you. This holy child born to you will be the Son of the One Above Us All.”

Then, to encourage her, he said, “Your cousin Creator Is My Promise (Elizabeth), who was called barren one, is six moons with child. See! There is nothing too hard for the Great Spirit.”

She looked bravely into the face of the messenger.

“I am Creator’s servant,” she said with boldness. “Let it be for me just as you have said.”

Then Creator’s chief spirit-messenger left her.