By: Donna Clark
I heard the simplest, most thought-provoking, soul-searching message this past Sunday at my church, one I hope that will never leave me. It was an object lesson based on the Nativity scene. As a child, I would see many of these in homes and churches, but sadly they’ve become a rarity. My dad always displayed the Nativity in our front yard when I was a child. There was something special about that scene, baby Jesus always lying in the wooden slatted manger between Mary and Joseph, while the shepherds and wise men would look on, each in their appropriate order. The speaker reminded us that the arrangement of the Nativity always has Jesus in the center. And as he so wisely shared with us, there are many people who have no hesitation in believing in this miraculous birth. Having a Bible in their home and attending church services are a part of their lives. However, those of us who profess to be a Christian have sadly taken what should be at the very center of our lives and pushed it to the outskirts, still there but somewhat forgotten. It is true that Jesus can be included in our lives, but sadly not the focal point.
As the message was shared, the baby figurine representing Jesus was removed and placed at the outer edge of the arrangement. He was still present, but definitely no longer in the center position. The shepherd then was placed where Jesus once was. The shepherd represented our everyday lives, the things we are required to do. These things become the center, the focal point. Many push themselves with a 40+ hour job, others studying and striving for the education needed to attain their goal in life. These are the “no options” part of life. Sadly, we exhaust so much time, along with physical and mental effort, there’s very little left over for the family at home, a neighbor in need, much less God. Remember – work is a good gift, but a terrible god.
Then the shepherd was removed and the wise men took the center stage. They represented everything worldly that defines our lives — wealth, social status, education, job titles, awards, and accolades. These things can be good, but when they become the focal point of our lives, they disappoint. Many have climbed the ladder of success to only find it was leaning against the wrong wall. These things promise you a lot, but keep you wanting more.
Mary and Joseph were next to be placed in the center; Jesus was still on the outskirts. They represent our families and that would seem like the right order, but they too cannot be the object of our greatest focus. Family should be prioritized but God has to be first. These people can bring you joy and fulfillment but they cannot be placed before God. We try to build our house, shape our spouse and children, but as the Bible says, if God doesn’t build the house, the house is built in vain. Only by having Him center, will the house, our home, and family be correctly built. Family is a blessing, but never meant to be our source.
Lastly the animals take the spotlight. They represented the things we enjoy, our activities and hobbies. These things we are given to bring us pleasure, happiness. It can be anything from hunting to shopping and lest we not forget the glorious season of football! Pleasure makes life enjoyable, but it was never meant to fulfill it.
In all the scenarios the speaker gave, Jesus was still present, but not in the center. Sometimes we can feel like our lives are all messed up, but what if our lives are not really broken, they are just not set right. The order of importance is wrong. This nativity scene and the placement of each of the important players represents our lives. We each have a focal point, something we circle ourselves, our time, our money, our energy around. If our life is set up in the wrong order, no one will have to preach it to us, life will preach it. What flows from your heart, the lack of peace and contentment, the constant striving for more and more, a battle that is never won, will let you know that the most important person is no longer the center of your life. It’s such a simple fix, place the most important at the center and leave Him there. Honor Him and watch your focus change. With His help we can make the order correct. As we celebrate this season of His birth, what better time to do some rearranging in your heart and life. I’m definitely looking at who and what is taking center stage in mine.
Blessings,
Donna Clark
