Sermon On The Nativity Of Jesus Christ

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!”