Minutes of the First Meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Supernatural Affairs

[caddyman]

SA(N) 1st Meeting

CABINET COMMITTEE ON SUPERNATURAL AFFAIRS SUB-COMMITTEE ON THE NATIVITY
____________

MINUTES OF A MEETING HELD ON A HILLSIDE NEAR BETHLEHEM ON 1 DECEMBER 1 BC

PRESENT

JOSEPH OF NAZARETH (Chair)
THE ANGEL GABRIEL
THE INNKEEPER
THE VIRGIN MARY
THE SHEPHERDS

SECRETARIAT:

Matthew
Mark
Luke
John

APOLOGIES:

THE WISE MEN

SUBJECT: THE BIRTH OF THE SON OF GOD

ARRANGEMENTS

1. The SHEPHERDS considered a memorandum from the ANGEL GABRIEL which explained the forthcoming birth of the Son of God.

2. Introducing the paper, the ANGEL GABRIEL outlined the significance for humanity of this event. The Son of God would redeem the sins of mankind, thus increasing opportunities for salvation and combating social exclusion.

3. Continuing, the ANGEL GABRIEL said that GOD was sending His only son to dwell on earth and that this was a mark of His commitment to humanity. He said that in return humanity would need to take a number of practical steps in order that the birth be a success.

4. In relation to the arrangements for the birth, the ANGEL GABRIEL requested that suitable accommodation be provided for the Virgin Mary.

5. The CHAIRMAN noted that all the inns were full but there was a nearby stable which could be used. It offered a manger from where the Son of God could be adored, a large quantity of straw and a selection of decorative livestock.

6. The ANGEL GABRIEL said that this was an attractive option.

7. The SHEPHERDS-
- Took note.

8. During discussion the following points were made:

a. The three Wise Men are expected to arrive shortly after the birth, having followed a bright star in the East. They wish to greet the Son of God and are bringing with them gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. The stable will need to offer facilities for adoration.

b. A stable might be thought ill-fitting as a venue for the birth of the Son of God. Moreover, there were real dangers of spreading disease from the living quarters of livestock to a new born baby.

c. Symbolically a stable suggested humility, a quality which was to be the hallmark of the Son of God and the basis of many of His policies. A lowly birthplace would help distinguish the Son of God from other religious leaders, and increase the appeal of His policies to the wider population.

d. Security arrangements would need to be put in place to protect the Son of God from King Herod, in the light of his policies in respect of new born infants.

9. Summing up the discussion, the CHAIRMAN said that the Shepherds had endorsed the birth of the Son of God in full, and would offer such assistance and devotion as was required. Arrangements for the stable would be put in place, including the opportunity for adoration by the Wise Men and others. Before a public announcement of the nativity is made, a further review of the arrangements should be undertaken by the Strategic Communications Unit, to ensure that it was consistent with wider policy objectives.

10. The SHEPHERDS -
- Took note, with approval, of the Chairman’s summing up and invited the Angel Gabriel, the Virgin Mary, the Innkeeper, and the Wise Men to proceed accordingly.

11. There being no further business the meeting closed at eleven of the clock.

12. The Epiphany Steering Committee is scheduled to meet on 6 January AD 1.

Comments

[pax-draconis.livejournal.com]

I detect the teeniest bit of sarcasm.

[caddyman.livejournal.com]

Arguably....