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
2:7 NKJV
Many
times over the years I have seen or looked at many paintings which depict
Biblical events and enjoyed seeing how the artists used their imagination to
envision and portray scenes which the Bible tells us occurred. Truth be told, most of them are quite
elaborate and in truth probably stray just a bit from what the actual event
might well have looked like. While
looking at scenes of the nativity, I came across this one whose history is
completely unknown. Which in a way I
find very curious because although close to impossible, it looks to me like it
could have been painted by an actual witness who was there.
If
you look closely you will see what I mean.
An inn, which would be large enough to accommodate one or more groups of
travelers, would also need to have a stable big enough to hold all of their
animals. Most every nativity scene I
have seen depicts a rather small, cramped building with just enough room to
hold a manger. This painting shows a
large stable capable of holding many animals, and Mary and Joseph along with
Jesus take up but a small corner of it. I
also like the expression on Joseph’s face because the artist seems to have
captured a look that could mean just about anything. My first impression is that he is relieved
that the birth went well, but as he is looking at the shepherds I also think he
could be wondering how they knew to come there in the first place.
Regardless,
I can’t look at this painting without thinking of the circumstances that put
the birth of our Savior in such a humble location. Although we understand the prophecies which
foretold that He would be rejected by men, how often do we think about His
rejection beginning at His very birth?
He was relegated to birth in a stable because the inn rejected His presence. When He began His ministry on earth, he was,
by all accounts, a homeless person. He
had no job, no money, no food, no home, and was dependent on the generosity of
others for His very existence, and when He failed to live up to the Jews’
expectations of a King, He was rejected and killed.
It
almost seems to me that the humble circumstances of Jesus entire life were
orchestrated with the intent that others would focus on the message rather than
the messenger. After all, by looking at
appearances, just what could this homeless son of a carpenter give anyone? Unless of course, you believed He was the Son
of God. Those who did were rewarded for
their faith, just as we can be today. So
today read the account of Jesus’ birth and consider the idea of His humility,
and just how low the Son of God was willing to put Himself for us.
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. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the
fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the
Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they
were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for
behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
"For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is
Christ the Lord. "And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe
wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was
with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
"Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward
men!" So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that
the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see
this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us."
And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a
manger. Luke 2:1-16 NKJV
As
we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, I hope we remember that He was
born to die, so that we can live. While we celebrate His birth by giving gifts
to one another, may we never forget that it was His gift to us, the ultimate
sacrifice, which allows us to make the choice to accept Him as our Savior and
become one of His own.
If
you are reading this today and have never made the decision to allow Jesus
Christ to come into your heart, and accept the free gift of eternal life He has
offered you, I urge you to do so right now. You can do that by simply praying
this prayer and accepting the gift of eternal life God has offered all of us by
the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ.
Dear Lord Jesus, I
know I am a sinner and I believe You died for my sins. Right now, I turn from
my sins and open the door of my heart and life to you. I confess You as my
personal Lord and Savior. Thank you for saving me. Amen.
Keep
watching.
