It’s December and our Nativity scene sits on our mantle – just like it does every year. It reminds us of God’s gift – his Son, who came to earth as a human and who became our Savior. A marvelous gift that we celebrate at Christmas time.

The scene depicting Jesus’ birth brings to mind that God’s Son humbled Himself by giving up His position in heaven and taking on human form. He also loved us so much that, though He was perfect, He took on Himself the sins of all humankind and died a humiliating death on a cross so that our sins were forgiven.  This death was the prelude to His becoming the risen Lord standing beside our Father interceding for us.

 Baby Jesus in the manger also reminds us of the man Jesus, who lived a life that we as Christians want to imitate. He had meals with the undesirable, had conversations with those who were ignored, demonstrated how to love God, taught life lessons in everyday language,  healed the deaf, blind, and lepers…. He loved the unlovable!

 The Nativity scene on our mantle is a reminder that God in Jesus became “flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood” (John 1:14). He is Immanuel, God with us. He showed us how to live and how to obey our Father.

 The Nativity scene sits on our mantle not only during the Christmas season but throughout the year. It reminds us that God’s coming into the world is not just a December message but one for every day of the year!

 The Mission Alive team wishes you hope, peace, joy, and love during this Christmas season!