It was the result of clenched teeth and womanly vigor that God-in-flesh was born.

Outside the barn or cave, Joseph would be pacing and waiting, other men who’ve traveled with them giving him advice, maybe offering him some wine, while he awaited the final push where it was his duty to receive the newborn and firstborn son while on his knees.

But the hands that first held Emmanuel, the eyes that first looked upon Him, belonged to a midwife whose name is lost to time.

This nameless saint would have been the one to hand the child to Joseph, the one to declare to those gathered in waiting that “tonight is born to you a son.”

She would have cut the umbilical cord that connected Jesus to Mary. She would wash the Savior in clean water, and rub Him in salt, according to ancient Jewish custom. Then she would have gathered basic cloths, strips taken from old garments, and laid those cloths over the hay, taking the infant Jesus and placing Him upon them. Gingerly, deliberately she would show the young Virgin Mother how to fold and wrap the cloths into a tight swaddle, making the newly born Christ-child look humorously like a burrito.

She would have washed Mary and helped her change her clothes. She would assist her as this young woman, the highly favored of God, rested from her ordeal. The now-nameless midwife would also hold the child to Mary’s breast, being a witness to the First Supper.

All the while there would be rejoicing and celebration in surround. All due to this child, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.

The world is full of nameless saints. Of those who behold God, who know Him, and yet — to us — are unknown.

Advent is a season of watching. Of looking. Perhaps it would do us well to watch and look for those we do not see?

The saints and angels, the host of heaven, who occupy the margins of our world.

Those who quietly bring us to the manger, but don’t necessarily tell it on the mountain.

Those whose quiet prayers mysteriously stir the Spirit in our hearts, and lead us to the Savior.

– The Rev. Charles A. Browning II
Palm Beach Atlantic University Class of 2007
Rector, The Chapel of Saint Andrew Episcopal Church
Head Chaplin, Saint Andrew’s School