The manger scene from Mexico showed Mary and Joseph with dark skin and the lovely brown eyes of the Mexican people. The one from Sweden portrayed Mary with blond hair and fair skin, while the set from Nigeria featured dark-skinned people, adorned with ornate African headwear. The Japanese nativity was delicate and decidedly Asian. The most accurate of all was the one from Israel. It showed the figures with handsome Jewish features.
This suggests we desire identity with God. When we see something of ourselves reflected in Christ's birth, then his life, death, and resurrection take on personal meaning for us. It does not deny Jesus' divinity. It allows us to come to him, even in our humanity.
Our need for Emmanuel, God with us, is shown clearly in Christmas art. Accuracy in depicting the manger scene is not as important as the message that God willingly became one of us. Praise him for that!
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Do you have a nativity set up in your home this holiday? Do you use it as a teaching tool for your children, or a reminder for yourself of the reason we celebrate?
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