C. S. Lewis, a British writer and literary scholar once remarked: “Once in our world, A stable had something in it that was bigger than our whole world.” Isaiah 7:14 reminds us: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
Nativity is defined as the place of a person’s birth. However, it is usually regarded as the special gift of God to all nations in the parturition of Jesus Christ by the Virgin Mary. For most, it is generally believed to have taken place in a stable situated in the city of Bethlehem, which is located approximately ten kilometers from the conurbation of Jerusalem. Some refute the probability of Jesus being born in a stable, claiming the likelihood of other places such as the basement of a house etc. They state that it was commonplace for families to live in one room, with livestock, either in the same room, or in a separate basement. They state that the notion of being born in a stable is supposition and ill-founded. However, a stable is defined as a building set apart and, adapted as housing for horses and possibly other animals. Matthew 2:11 reveals: “And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” A house is primarily defined as a building for human habitation, is it recommended that a trough for animal fodder be kept in the same place? A stable, or outbuilding is for animals and is often located at the rear of a property, and as such, one would have to enter and exit a building to reach it.
A manger is defined as a rack or trough for fodder, or a structure or feeder used to hold food for animals. If a manger is primarily used for their source of nourishment, it will be situated in a place where animals are housed. For most, the probability of a stable or outhouse is far more likely than in a room of a building with a dwelling place for animals included. The house theory is controversial to usual thinking and could equally be considered as dubious conjecture, as it totally disregards the humbleness of humility. God is power, but represents modesty. Mark 10:45 reminds us: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Whether the assumed theories of either be true or not in Jesus’ case, it is immaterial to the focal point. The primary impetus of the narrative is to highlight that Christ, our Savior, and Redeemer was born in humility, not grandeur. The scene is portrayed in lowliness, not high status. A house or room indicates a greater prosperity and comfort. If the emphasis on humility is agreed upon by the doubters, then their argument could collapse if, as is stated in the Bible, a child is laid in a manger because: “there was no place for them in the inn.”
The Nativity is a Christmas tradition that has faithfully been reproduced in schools and churches for many centuries. It is a story of humility amidst the grandeur of God. It is usually portrayed during the season of Christmastide by young children who can also be simplistic examples of humility, experiencing their first taste of one’s acting ability, or possible future stardom in life.
Luke 2:1-14 reminds us: “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.
And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
There is no divergence or distinction between richness and poverty in God’s eyes. Richness is indistinguishable from poverty. Everyone is equal. Sinners can evolve from both fortunes in life, but the requirement to seek forgiveness, irrespective of their social standing, remains prevalent to either. The kingdom of heaven is open to all who seek it. That is the richness and love of God. Dorothy Day, an American journalist and activist once remarked: “I’m so glad that Jesus was born in a stable. Because my soul is so much like a stable. It is poor and in unsatisfactory condition because of guilt, falsehoods, inadequacies and sin. Yet I believe that if Jesus can be born in a stable, maybe he can also be born in me.”
The birth of a child is a wonderful occasion as it is considered a beautiful gift from God. It may involve pain, it may involve trauma, but the end result is one of magnificence and glory. If that child is in the form of God, what power and dominion does that enforce in the realm of poverty? Isaiah 9:6-7 reminds us: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”.
Humility is power in a passive context. It symbolizes good leadership qualities,in a gentle and unassuming way. It does not seek aggressive behavior or attitude to succeed in its work. It retains respect, it encourages, it guides and influences. It is a true commitment with love as its primary source. Philippians 2:3-11 reminds us: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Christ’s nativity is the essence of humility. It harnesses a hope and a special life to all who believe. It was an eternal loving gift from God for the benefit of mankind. Christ’s eventual death on the cross opened the doorway to heaven and gave those who have been righteous or even repentful sinners, a faith for everlasting life through redemption. 1 Corinthians 15:16-22 reminds us: “For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.”
Amen.
