Isaiah 40:3 – The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord; Make straight in the desert a highway for our God." (NKJV)

Over the years, I've observed numerous nativity displays and dramas. Some took a lot to prepare, such as the nativity performed in the 1970s in our family barn. The Young Peoples Society of the church decided to enact the event amidst living animals, hay, mangers, and of course, the barn odours. Photos were taken, and later, the church family enjoyed a slide show of their experience.

The tradition of the nativity scene has been credited to St. Francis of Assisi. In the year 1223 at a small Italian village, he used living animals and a small manger filled with hay as a visual aid to impress how Christ came into the world in poverty and simplicity. Francis wanted to overcome the rampant greed and materialism prevalent in Italy.

More recently, a different version of the nativity was performed somewhere in central Africa. As I recall the description, Mary and Joseph were escorted by a large group of people. A missionary asked why the couple wasn't alone. He learned that such an idea was inconceivable. Mary would be surrounded by the support of villagers and experienced help. It was unthinkable that a man would perform midwifery duties. I'd say that these African Christians imagined Christ's birth to be no different than their own humble village life.

Research suggests that Joseph and Mary were likely welcomed in Bethlehem according to Middle East customs by hospitable relatives — with plenty of time to prepare for a birth. The peasant home had a small guest room, but we are told that it was full, so Mary laid Him in a readily accessible manger trough alongside the living area, with the animals inside at a lower level. That reminds me that I sometimes used improvised little beds for my newborn — a cardboard box, a dresser drawer, even a laundry basket. This kept baby safe in the temporary situation.

Regardless of how we imagine Christ's nativity, one thing is certain: He's moved from the humble manger and now reigns on the eternal heavenly throne. This is the Christ for Whom we must now prepare room.

"Joy to the world, the Lord has come. Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room." – Isaac Watts

"Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him," cried a voice from the wilderness. This is just what John the Baptist did. For some people, he surely seemed like a wrecking ball demolishing stone walls and rigid barriers — by confronting their hypocrisy, favouritism, and exploitation. He was preparing them to face a new direction, to repent, and to accept a new order through Christ's Spirit and truth. Christ would be the better promise and the better hope.

Preparing the way for Christ is not unlike preparing for a new baby. It requires a reordering of life, letting go of former interests, values, and our self-focused lifestyle. We must make room for new life to grow and flourish.

Prayer: Lord, help us to see ourselves as vulnerable and needy like You were in that humble manger long ago. Demolish any barriers that hinder us from experiencing Your tender mercy and the wonders of Your love. Amen.

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About the author:

Diane Eaton <dianeeaton6@gmail.com>
Paisley, Ontario, Canada
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