The stable and the manger attracts the littlest children. They crowd up and around the scene of Bethlehem. It is familiar to most of us who are older. It is new to many of them.
Wonder and understanding are mixed together and easily accepted by even the smallest among them. They have simple questions. "What is a baby doing in a wooden box filled with straw? . . . and why are the grown-ups standing there?" "Why are they carrying sticks?" "I wish I could have animals in my room like that." "Let me hold the sheep." "Can I pick up the camel?" "I want the baby." "Why is the star there?"
It is a simple story. Is there anyone who wouldn't like a story like that?
Are the events which are involved in the incarnation of God in Christ Jesus simple or are they complex?
The adults crowd up and gather around the scene of Bethlehem. It is familiar to many of us. Wonder and understanding are mixed together and easily accepted by some, not accepted at all by others. Some of us, perhaps, have learned too much of the wrong thing. Or, maybe, some of us have forgotten too much of the right thing.
We have either remembered, or we have forgotten that He is the source and the wellspring of all creation. The heavens declared His glory long before the angels declared His arrival. His written Word prepared the willing hearts for his coming. The stable and the manger spoke with silent eloquence of His humility and approachability. The invitation and attendance of the shepherds at His first crib revealed to them that they would soon be out of a job. Their job was to raise sheep for the sacrifice. . . His purpose was to be the Supreme and final sacrifice. . . the Lamb of God which would take away the sin of the world. Once and for all.
It is story so simple and attractive that little children, and people of faith, are drawn to it. "Read it to me again" they say. It is a complex and grand revelation that the erudite are confused by it, and they stumble over it, and are offended by it. It is a wonder of wonders.
