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The manger without all its Christmas trappings is a lonely display. What was a rich place for the animal was the poverty of a young couple. Its simplicity is astounding. Its ability to completely satisfy basic human need is lacking. Why such a beginning?
When we question the manger we must ask what throne on earth could have held this King? His largeness would shadow the best Kingly seat human hands could prepare. Its gold would melt before His glory. Its foundation would be set ablaze and crumble upon His approach. His being would dull the sparkled jewel and consume the riches of earth that had been proudly arranged for His arrival. Regardless of this impossibility, He really did not need a throne or a white horse to make His entrance. Nor did He desire one. His eternal throne sits upon the incorruptible foundation of heaven and awaited His return. It can carry the weight of His person. It can enthrone His glory. It is what He left behind…to come down to us.
So, why a stable? Why not a humble home on a hill or the house of a friend? Why would the dark and earthly things wrap His birth in such soil?
The answer is with the Father.
He laid out the first nativity scene before the world. Each piece of the story crafted from His wisdom. Each piece telling the story of His long reach to capture the human heart.
The manger – a throne for the babe’s humanity.
The stable – an earthly place that first heard His human voice.
Within the scene a message…a Word…MY Son…born FOR YOU.
The starting place of the Lowly Servant…Royalty coming along side humanity.
The Seeker, seeking.
Immanuel…
God with US…
among US…
for US.
No other entrance would have so gloriously displayed His love for us. Mercy laid upon our hay. Grace cuddled in our darkness. Glory sheltered in a wooden stall headed toward a wooden cross.
Man’s deepest need, meeting the greatest Gift…God’s heartbeat in human flesh….Jesus.
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