”And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (KJV Luke 2:7)
In this Christmas season, I’ve been watching various performances of music, arranged and sung to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Sometimes the music is best when it is only heard and not seen in a performance. I’ve been distracted by some performances because those who sing are dressed in exquisite attire with make-up and hair and everything done so carefully that it must have taken many hours of preparation to just get the appearance right. It’s not to demean their effort, which I think in some cases is sincere. But it stands in stark contrast to me with what I see in the actual circumstances of that holy birth.
In my mind, I see such humble circumstances of a stable and manger that is hardly the place any mother would want for herself, to give birth to her firstborn son. It is missing all of the usual means that would normally be available if only there was the regular planning in place for a birth.
If I had to describe the scene in a single word, it would be “poor”. Yet it all worked out, somehow. In that scene of near abject poverty, there is oddly something beautiful about it. No pomp. No show. Just raw people, making the best of some very difficult circumstances.
It is a striking difference from the scene that is often put up in perfect order and celebrated this time of year. Those scenes often take many, many hours of planning and rehearsals. There was none of that at the original scene. It was anything but an ideal stage by almost any standard.
I think a more realistic recreation of that original scene would be more of the hodgepodge type setup that a simple family might create in their home on Christmas Eve, as they make a weak attempt of a play to relive that humble birth. Nothing is really setup right. There are noises and disturbances at the most inopportune moments. It is anything but what you would plan if you were trying to put on a public show. In fact, it might be kind of embarrassing if the neighbors came by and saw what is going on.
That “unideal” scene, is actually a more accurate rendering than nearly all of the very well crafted and perfectly executed performances on display for public consumption.
One may also ask, “why did angels appear to shepherds?” What would shepherds have to offer, when they saw this new mother, in pain and distress with her newborn babe under such circumstances? Would you not offer your cloak also?
If there is something that resonates more with us this Christmas, might it be more compassion for the poor. In showing compassion for the poor, it may represent a truer appreciation for Jesus and his birth than appreciating the beautiful scenes that riches can create.