Joy in a Manger

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:1-8 (NKJV)

Twenty nativities filled the entertainment center in my living room. Each one presented unique figures crafted by various artists from the United States and other countries we visited on our travels around the world. 

            Every stable held Mary, Joseph and Jesus but some also included angels, shepherds, wise men, sheep, cows, and even camels. Although it would have been out of place in Israel, eighteen of the nativities placed the holy family in a wooden stable. Shepherds at that time protected their sheep inside caves in the hills around Bethlehem but only two of the nativities displayed caves as the birthplace of Jesus. 

            Every nativity represented an artist’s interpretation of the miraculous night when Jesus was born. The figures, frozen in place, depicted a clean stable with eyes fixed on the baby in the manger. A few knelt in reverence while the rest watched in awe. 

            The baby slept. Silent parents marveled at their precious son. Shepherds and wise men stared at the babe in the tidy manger. Angels hovered over the stable with arms outstretched. Each scene portrayed a sense of peace, joy and contentment. 

            No Roman soldiers stood near a dirty manger looking at the newborn. No crowds of travelers swarmed into the smelly stable.

But when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, there was little peace filling the streets. Romans occupied the country and Caesar Augustus demanded residents travel to their ancestral towns for a census even when it was inconvenient. 

Like individuals of long ago, we seek peace, joy and contentment. People try to find happiness in a variety of ways in our chaotic world but discover it is fleeting. 

During Advent, we prepare for Jesus’ birth and the celebration it brings. Slow down, examine the meaning of the nativity, and remember what Jesus brought. Joy to the world. 

He is no longer an adorable baby in a manger but a Savior who goes with us into our messy world.  

Loving Father, thank you for sending your son to rescue us. Thank you for the peace, joy and contentment we receive in knowing him all year and not just at Christmas.

Amen