Born in a Barn: Jesus’ Messy Mission — Tuesday
Matthew 1:18
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about… (NIV)
The biblical Christmas story is unique in every way. None of us would’ve written such a script. Indeed, if I’d been in charge, I would’ve started with a different couple—not Mary and Joseph. Nothing against carpenters or teenage girls from obscure villages, but I would've picked a couple of twenty-somethings, perhaps young urban professionals, to be the Messiah's mom and dad. They could give Him what He needed to succeed—an excellent education, a nice home, a nice room, nice friends, and nice clothes.
He could’ve grown up well-adjusted and socially connected, with optimum possibilities for effectively communicating His message. As it were, Joe and Mary had limited resources and opportunities. Essentially, they were insignificant nobodies from a nothing town; nope, I wouldn't have picked them at all.
I wouldn't have chosen Bethlehem either. Bethlehem was to Jerusalem like Gravel Switch, Kentucky, is to Lexington! Nothing against Gravel Switch, but I would’ve chosen a place with some commerce, shopping, libraries, opportunities, etc. The inn of Bethlehem wasn't even a "one-star" hotel. In terms of amenities, it offered nothing. For the would-be parents of the Infinite One, I would've at least selected a nice room at the Embassy Suites.
And a stable? You're kidding me. The maternity ward at Baptist Health would be my choice. I'd also replace the donkey ride with an ambulance, or at least a leisurely trip in a late-model SUV. A leather saddle? Nope. Heated leather seats? You betcha. We're talkin' Jesus here. Lose the animals, the cool night air, and the damp, smelly straw, too. A nice flannel onesie instead of dirty strips of cloth (swaddling clothes) would’ve been my pick, hands down.
An OBGYN would’ve been a must, and the guys on the camels? Well, they could stay home. Yes, if I'd been in charge, Jesus would have arrived as a prince, not a pauper. His first visitors would've been celebs, not shepherds. I would've "leaked" the story to the press, too. The more publicity, the better. After all, He’s a King!
Perhaps we all would’ve done things differently—let’s be honest. If we'd never read the New Testament and the Christmas story as we know it, none of us would’ve written it the same way… which makes it all the more remarkable!
Tuesday’s Reflection
Only God could come up with such a peculiar, masterful plot. Only the Infinite could come up with such an implausible, improbable, imperceptible way to enter time and space and say "I love you" from a stable in Palestine. He reached out His baby arms… and embraced the world. Aren’t you glad?!
