Every Christmas around the world people decorate their homes with nativity scenes. Depending on what part of the world you live in probably says a lot about your nativity scene. In Jerusalem the manager scenes are fashioned out of olive wood from Bethlehem. If you live in Mexico, I am sure you have a brightly colored Mexican folk version. In Africa, instead of the more traditional sheep and camels, a hippopotamus or a giraffe gazes at the baby Jesus. In my home I have several but my favorite is a large one we bought at Costco years ago!
The unique cultural perspective brought to life in these nativity scenes is a beautiful reminder that Jesus’ birth was for every person in the whole earth. This is the reason that the whole earth can rejoice.
This baby Jesus in each of our nativity scenes reveals God’s truth for the entire world. God provides salvation to everyone through the gift of His Son. The gift of Jesus is good news for everyone. No matter where on earth you call home, Jesus’ birth is God’s offer of love and peace to all of us. Our purpose today is to share that those who find new life in Christ will celebrate God’s glory forever and ever.
