Almost everyone growing up in a Christian home has at least one nativity scene to place under the tree, etc. In movies, etc. and under the tree it is a beautiful scene, with the area lit up with the star above them, the animals sitting attentively, beautiful straw on the ground, shepherds watching, and of course the parents and baby Jesus peacefully sitting in the center of the scene. This is what we really know about the scene in Luke 2:6-7, "So it was, that while they were there," (Bethlehem),"the days were completed for her to be delivered. 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."

Though we elevate what a manger was, it was a feeding trough used to feed animals. Though we prettify the setting, Mary delivered our Savior in a cave or stable among dirty farm animals. Though we sanitize the setting, Jesus was born in the most unsanitary conditions alongside animal waste, flies, odor, etc. I write this not to destroy anyone's thoughts of this pretty little scene, but to illustrate the humility that took place. There is no coincidences with God. This birth-plan did not come about by accident. This was the humble earthly beginning of the Son of God as He became man. Shepherds were ceremonially unclean and were deemed outcasts of society, yet we read in Luke 2:8-20, that they were the first ones called to the scene to honor the newborn Savior. From His birth, the world as we know it and understand it was revealing something new, something wonderful. It’s so easy to minimize what He did, but Paul wrote in Philippians 2:5-8, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross."

So, our Savior, was born in unsterile conditions, in a humble setting, into poverty, and celebrated by the outcasts of society. We know of the poverty from Luke 2:24, when the sacrifice was offered for Mary's purification according to the law, we read, "and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the lord, "A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."" The sacrifice called for a lamb, but two doves were allowed for those who could not afford a lamb. This is just one of many illustrations in Scripture of the depths of God's love for us.. He loved us so much and humbled Himself so much in order to save any of us who are willing to accept His offer. For anyone who feels they are too far gone, have sinned too badly, could never be forgiven, just remember, He came for the outcasts of society. He came for those who realize their purpose is not to assimilate or fit in society, but that as outcasts they need Jesus. Thank you, Jesus!!!