The night before, Almighty God, creator of the universe, had stepped into actual human existence in that baby boy’s birth. Countless times we have taken our places as spectators in the sanitized stable soon after Jesus was born. The young mother kneels beside the manger gazing adoringly at the newly-born infant while Joseph, the shepherds and even the wise men assume their places in the scene. In your mind’s eye, you see it all now.
But perhaps it is time we left the stable long enough to visit the inn where guests, intent on getting their breakfast or settling their charges, have taken little notice. Beyond the inn, virtually no one is aware that the night before God became flesh and now lies a hundred yards from them.
Jim White
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We can’t blame them for being unaware that world-altering history had been made under their very noses, for, unlike the shepherds, announcements were not delivered to them. At least, as far as we know. What a tragic irony to think that they missed out on the greatest singular event in the history of the world. Although some will reserve that distinction for the crucifixion or the resurrection, neither would have happened without that earlier birth in Bethlehem.
These Bethlehemites were so close, but still so far away.
Fast forward through the centuries and the vignette is replicated in nativity scenes around the world. Each player assumes the correct place and posture proclaiming in mime to passers-by the good news of Christ’s birth. Having, at one time or another, played every role but Mary’s and the child’s, I can readily identify with the nativity players, and the very thought warms my heart.
To some degree, the crèche has become a cultural icon representing the season. As such, it assumes a silent, but powerfully symbolic voice saying we humans ought to treat each other better than we typically do. It challenges us to be concerned about others. It is an annual reminder that Jesus, who said that we should love others as we love ourselves, was born.
Who could possibly disagree with such a symbol being publicly displayed? What society wouldn’t be made better by adhering to this message? No wonder some are up in arms about removing the crèche from the courthouse square. Among them are many cultural Christians.
But despite how my own heart is warmed by the nativity scene, I am not among those who believe the manger belongs on Main Street. I refuse to see the crèche as a cultural symbol akin to Rudolph and candy canes. Let the reindeer have Broadway. Give the square to Santa and his elves. The manger is after hearts and minds and souls.
Opponents to public nativity scenes understand a truth so close to Christians that many seem to have missed the forest for the Christmas trees. The baby in the manger was not just an exceptional man whose life has influenced millions with his self-help doctrines. Unbelieving opponents know that, rightly understood, the nativity proclaims Jesus to be the Savior, the Son of God, the way, the truth and the life. Why wouldn’t anyone who doesn’t believe that be opposed to public property being used to proclaim it? They understand it to be religious rather than cultural.
On this we Christians should be in complete agreement! We believe Jesus was fully human, but also fully divine. He was the Son of God born into the world not just to teach us how to behave better but to save us from our sins; and the real message of his life isn’t just “love one another,” it is that a radical transformation of our lives through the power of his Spirit is offered to everyone and expected of all believers. It is as religious as you can possibly get!
As I see it, believers who champion the crèche in the courthouse square are fearful of losing ground to unbelievers. “This is just one more example of how godless our society is becoming,” they might say. They genuinely believe Christianity and Christians are being persecuted by atheists, secular humanists, socialists, liberals and other demonically motivated “ists” and “isms.
Stated another way, what they are really saying is this. “Even though many others don’t believe as we do, unless they let us put our religious symbols and messages in public places we will get angry and feel like they are out to get us.” This kind of Christianity is unhealthy. Ironically, it is also at odds with the basic tenants of our Lord. And, it is common.
These kinds of Christians aren’t having much luck convincing people to become believers by the superior examples of their lives, so they need a mute nativity scene to do their witnessing for them. Somehow the invitation, “You can become as paranoid as we are,” isn’t winning many converts.
It seems to me we will be more successful at convincing unbelievers that they want the Christ who dwells in us to live in them, too, if we respect their beliefs and earn the right to share what we believe rather than try to cram it down their throats. We will be more successful at sharing our faith if we can demonstrate how it has actually made us better people rather than demand the right to mime it on public property.
Like the ancient dwellers in Bethlehem, so many today are so close to Christ, but still so far away. Some of them are unbelievers.
Jim White ([email protected]) is executive editor of the Religious Herald.