First Nations Christmas Story (8)

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.

KEEPING THE TRADITIONS

Eight days after the birth of their son, in keeping with the traditional cutting of the flesh ceremony, they named him Creator Sets Free (Jesus), the name given them by the spirit-messenger before the child was born.

Then, about one moon later, the time came for them to present their child to the Great Spirit in the Sacred Village of Peace (Jerusalem). This was for their cleansing ceremony, an ancient tradition from the lawgiver Drawn from the Water (Moses), who said, “Every male child who is first to open the womb will be holy in the Great Spirit’s sight. Bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to be burned with fire as a sweet-smelling smoke offering.”

This shows they were poor, for this was the offering a poor family was permitted to bring according to tribal law.

When they arrived at the sacred lodge in Village of Peace (Jerusalem), they were welcomed by Creator Hears (Simeon), a respected elder who did what was right in the Great Spirit’s sight, and waited patiently for him to fulfill his promises to the tribes of Wrestles with Creator (Israel). The Holy Spirit rested on him and told him he would not die until he saw Creator’s Chosen One with his own eyes.

As Creator Hears (Simeon) followed the guidance of the Spirit, he arrived at the sacred lodge just in time to see He Gives Sons (Joseph) and Bitter Tears (Mary) bringing their child for the traditional ceremony given in their tribal law. Creator Hears (Simeon) took the child into his arms and spoke words of blessing over him.

“O Great Father,” he prayed, “I now see with my own eyes the one you have prepared for all Nations, the one who will heal our broken ways and set us free. He will make a clear path for all people to see and bring honor to the tribes of Wrestles with Creator (Israel). Now, just as you have said, I can cross over in peace.”

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said. 

So Creator Hears (Simeon) spoke blessing words over them also.

He then turned to Bitter Tears (Mary) and spoke softly in her ear.

“This child has been chosen for the fall and rising of many in the tribes of Wrestles with Creator (Israel). He will be a sign that will be spoken against, exposing the thoughts of many.”

His voice softened as she looked sadly into his eyes.

He said to her, “Even your own spirit will be pierced through like a sharp arrow.”

As they pondered his words, a holy woman named Woman of Goodwill (Anna) welcomed them. She was an elder from the tribe of Walks with a Glad Heart (Asher) and the daughter of Face of Creator (Phanuel). She had married at a young age and lived with her husband for seven winters, but had now been a widow for eighty-four winters. She served the Great Spirit at his sacred lodge night and day with fasting and many prayers. When she saw the child, she gave thanks to Creator and began telling about the child to all who were waiting for Creator to fulfill the promises he made to the Sacred Village of Peace (Jerusalem).

After they performed all the ceremonies that Creator’s Law required, they returned to Circle of Nations (Galilee), to their home in Seed Planter Village (Nazareth). In this village the child grew strong in his spirit and was filled with wisdom, for the blessing of the Great Spirit was resting on him.