Symbolism vs. Substance

Have you ever noticed how a typical nativity set is pristine, serene, temperature controlled, and totally inaccurate? There was no room for the Savior of the world at the local inn, so He was born in a dingy cave for common animals. His birthplace probably looked and smelled like a barnyard. So today, let's look beyond the sterility of the nativity scene. Sadly, we'll discover that not much has changed, there is still no room for Jesus in the hearts and homes of many people.

At Jesus' birth, His own kinsmen were unable to squeeze Him in. The hardships of travel to the city of Joseph's birth did not end when Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem. Desperately searching for a place to stay, no one offered them a room. Scripture tells us, "He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him" (John 1:11). Amazingly, centuries earlier the prophet Isaiah had predicted that the Messiah would be "despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53:3). It's the same today; many of Jesus' own despise Him and refuse to acknowledge Him as Messiah.

In the political realm, King Herod didn't welcome Jesus' birth. In fact, he authorized a mass murder, seeking to do away with the young child. He feared that the baby born in Bethlehem would interfere with his power and plans. You only have to read current headlines to discover that Jesus is still unwelcome in today's political realm.

Not only was Jesus unwelcome among his kinsmen and the politicians, but the religious leaders also rejected His claims. Thirty years after His birth, when Jesus presented Himself as Messiah, they orchestrated His crucifixion. Many current religious systems have no room for Jesus either. They delegate Him to the position of "a great moral teacher." As long as "all roads lead to God" and every religion has validity, Jesus is okay. But elevate Him to sole Savior and He is despised and rejected by many.

I believe that Jesus' birth symbolized His life on earth from the cradle to the cross He lived a life of absolute humility. He was willing to walk in the muck and mire of the mundane world. He could have been born of aristocratic parents in an elegant home with legions of angels at His beck and call. Instead He came in the humblest of wrappings. He was not laid in a bed befitting a king but in a feeding trough used by barnyard animals. Though the innkeepers, politicians, and religious leaders rejected Jesus, many people were drawn to Him because He was willing to walk among them, to touch them, to love them, and offer them words of hope.

There is nothing intimidating about the manger. Christ's humble birth shows the world that the King of kings will gladly receive anyone regardless of their social standing. No appointment is necessary and His throne room is always open. Don't be like those who are unable to find room for Christ in their hearts and lives. Receive the Christmas gift He came to offer life everlasting.