It is a curious thing – a baby lying in a feeding trough surrounded by his mother Mary, her husband Joseph, some livestock, and a lot of dust and dirt. For those who have mucked a stall – yeah, you get it. Dating back as far as the 4th century AD, the appearance of the nativity scene represented in art form has been identified. That tradition continues today with both static and living re-creations occurring all around the world as part of the Christmas season celebration.
How is it that the nativity scene has resulted in legal battles over whether such a representative depiction should be allowed on government or public property? For many, the theological claims emanating from the nativity scene can be relegated to mythologies, imaginations run wild, or a psychological crutch for the weak of mind – an unnecessary distraction inappropriately impacting societal policies and imposing religious overtones in disregard for our advanced scientific understanding. There are real problems to be solved in the world requiring our undevoted attention – achieving tolerance and coexistence as we chart a course toward peace. Given our understanding of the universe and its plethora of operational principles, certainly such a solution lies within our grasp.
There are some who would come to the rescue of the Christmas message suggesting that we not “throw out the baby with the bathwater” (pun intended). The spirit of the season speaks of love, gift-giving, acts of kindness, and peace – extending the hand of fellowship to those around us. It is a call to give to those less fortunate, remembering our blessings, and bringing joy into a world that is struggling with anxiety and strife. The Christ child in the manger is a wonderful symbol of what is good with man, what the possibilities hold if we will but look beyond ourselves to our neighbor. It also is a time to reignite that familial connection which is so important to a healthy and productive society. Indeed, the carol “Joy to the World” summarizes why the nativity scene is so important – the potential of man to transform from conflict to cooperation thereby achieving the common good.
But for a few, the birth of the Christ child is the defining moment in human history when the creator of all things took on flesh and dwelt among us. The nativity scene – a virgin birth, angelic declarations, and prophetic fulfillment – marked the precise moment chosen by God to initiate the plan by which man, lost in willful rebellion, could be rescued from the hopeless, eternal state of separation from a holy God. This Child would grow to become the unblemished lamb offered as the sacrifice on a cross, the atonement for sins that we might become His righteousness by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. He indeed is King of a kingdom not defined by the world’s understanding – one which will know no end. The world and its passions will pass away, but the few who recognize who lies in the manger are called to a life of denying self, taking up our cross daily, and following the Christ. Out of gratitude for what God has done, we find the desire and ability to truly love our neighbor as ourselves. What many fail to realize is that the path to true peace begins with faith in the Christ child born in a manger.
This Christmas season, realize that there can be no neutral position concerning the message reflected in the nativity scene. According to the scriptures, the child was born in a humble setting, declared to be the salvation of man, died and rose again on the third day, and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father. Jesus who walked the earth is either the Son of God, the exact representation of the invisible God or he was just another man with unfortunate beginnings in a feeding trough. For those whose hearts are drawn to the truth of the miraculous birth, there is the unmistakable call to be “All In” for Christ, filled with certain hope, longing for that day when we will be with Him face to face. For those still searching, consider again the message conveyed in the nativity scene. Call upon God to open the eyes of your heart to the truth of God’s saving grace beginning in a manger with the declaration – Emmanuel, God with us.
And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”
Luke 1:31-33
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