The Advent Calendar - Pt. 8

 

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:8-12 ESV).

 

While putting all our decorations in place this year, I was reminded how unlike the real birth of Jesus some of the images are. For example the crèche is a palatial scene done in shiny pewter. I portrays a royal scene worthy a king. Of course, Jesus is a King, however, he was born in abject poverty. Since all the rooms were filled by the time they arrived in Bethlehem, they settled for a relatively dry place for Mary to give birth. It was likely a small cave near the house of the “innkeeper.” It was used for the animals to get out of the cold wet springtime weather of the region. And the manger was not made out of wood. The word translated "manger" could mean either a feeding trough or an enclosure for animals. The King of all kings was first laid in a stone feeding trough.

 

I hope I’ve not destroyed your mental pictures of Jesus' birth. But the important question is "Why a manger?" Why wasn't He born in a palace, and His birth heralded in the Jerusalem Post? The answer is in two words, humility and accessibility. His mother wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, like any peasant of the time. This great gift came in simple wrapping because He was humble, He was accessible. Going into a throne room to see a king would be intimidating, but there's nothing intimidating about going into a cave and approaching a feeding trough. You don't need special credentials, you don't need to have to have an appointment. The shepherds could just come in.

 

This truth marked not only His birth but His entire life. Jesus was always accessible to people. He said, "Let the little children come to Me" (Matthew 19:14). He also welcomed the woman with the incurable disease because of her faith (cf. Luke 8:43-48). He was found teaching in the synagogues and eating with “sinners.” When asked why he would do such a thing, his answer was simply was those were the people he came to save.

 

So it's not really important what your Nativity scene looks like. The important thing is what you think about the Child who was laid in that manger. Turn your attention to Him! He is the source of life itself!