I’ve been trying to find a nativity scene to buy for the resort at a reasonable price with no success. It seems there would be plenty available since they have grown out of favor and are now politically incorrect in our “great” society, but alas if one is available at an affordable price, I haven’t been able to find it. Maybe I can find one for next year at an after Christmas sale.
Like so many things about Christ, His birth was a paradox when viewed from a human perspective. Consider that Jesus is the Son of God – Creator of everything in the Universe. According to the limited view we have been given of heaven, His heavenly abode is splendid beyond imagination. He doesn’t just own the world with its untold riches and treasure, He owns all of creation. He is the King of all kings and if anyone who ever walked this planet was deserving of being afforded and living a life of “privilege”, it was Jesus Christ. And yet He chose to leave His majestic throne and come to earth and be born in a simple manger in a stable.
Why?
It was the first of many examples that He set with His life for humanity and one that we should emulate. Beginning with His birth, He set our “demeanor” example, namely that we should be humble in our attitude and in all that we do. This example was perpetuated throughout His life and ministry. He worked in a blue collar job as a carpenter; He was never condescending or looked down on anyone whether they were of a different faith, had no faith, were a sinner, or saint; He was homeless and His only possession was His clothing, (He had to retrieve a coin from the mouth of a fish in order to pay His taxes); He walked everywhere He went instead of being chauffeured around in a long sleek limo, and after walking for miles on dusty roads, it was He that got down on His knees and washed the filthy dirty feet of His disciples instead of demanding the same from them.
Some folks belong to what I term as the “Lucky sperm club” and as a result were born into tremendous wealth and privilege. Consider the royal family of England with all their pomp and circumstance. Even distant relatives of those lucky souls and others of distinction are afforded titles and are addressed as “My Lord, My lady, Sir and so forth. (Sir Bob? – I don’t think so.)
When we think about it, what makes them any better than any other poor slob walking the face of this earth? Being fortunate enough to be born of wealthy parents?
Others were born with tremendous athletic ability; acting ability; incredible intellect that can build buildings and bombs; beautiful looks; musical ability, charming wit, artistic genius, and on and on. Should those blessings from God be used to “Lord” it over others who are devoid of those blessings? The example Jesus set for us clearly demonstrates otherwise.
Hmmm… As I sit in my chair and ponder this I cannot help but reflect upon how the Bible introduces our Savior, Jesus Christ, by giving us this example of His being born in a manger. He was not born in the finest hospital with only the best doctors. He didn’t have a college educated nanny, nor did He attend the finest boarding schools that money could buy, He didn’t even attend Harvard or Yale. Jesus did not demand the “front row seats” of life and He did not demand servants who catered to His every whim. Jesus came to earth to serve instead of be served.
His lesson reminds me of a slogan I saw at the Hard Rock Café: “Love All Serve All”. I have collected hats with this slogan on it at various Hard Rock Cafes all over the world and I wear them proudly. It reminds me of Jesus and His humble life. He loved us all enough to die a horrific death on the cross for our sins. He wants us to be humble and regardless of our circumstance consider ourselves no better than any other person. We should not become Lords in our own eyes, rather we should “Love All Serve All” with all of our fiber.
Another of my favorite Hard Rock mottos is appropriate at this time of year especially: “Take Time to be Kind”. Kindness begins with each one of us. Take a moment today to make someone’s day…
2 Cor. 8:9
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.