For many of the characters in the Nativity story, it must have felt like the crew of the USS Enterprise – boldly traveling to the unknown…
This is true in both a physical and emotional sense. Mary and Joseph going to Bethlehem for the census, unsure as to how they would be received when they arrived. The Magi following a star, encountering King King Herod and eventually encountering Immanuel. The shepherds after waiting hundreds of years get to see the prophesy fulfilled…
But to us it perhaps is not such a bold step? We are used to hearing the story, engaging with it year in year out and I suspect that may take away some of the wonder that the nativity characters (and the crew of the USS Enterprise) experienced.
Star Trek has had a few excellent Christmas episodes, personal favourites include; Data as Scrooge in ‘Devil’s Due’, ‘Death Wish’ when the Enterprise is turned into a Hallmark Ornament and ‘A Christmas Carol’ with Jean-Luc as Scrooge.
So what can we do to bring back the mystery, the wonder, the excitement? how can we boldly go… towards Christmas?
- be like Joseph – do something selfless.
- be like the magi – immerse yourself in the journey.
- be like Jean-Luc Picard – try something new.
- be like Counsellor Troi – engage with joy and good will.
- be like the shepherds – Believe!
By way of a little bonus today – I found this and thought it was hilarious…
The Imaginarium 
tell me what you think…