Luke 2:7

And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Yesterday during Christmas Day worship atMidland, Baby Jesus was stolen from the manger. By an 18-month-old named Brooklyn.

Little girls this age are often enamored by babies, or at least our 18-month-old granddaughter, Ellie is. Maybe Ellie’s awareness of babies has heightened since she has a new baby brother in her house. Yesterday, she toted around one of her newest babies with juice and milk bottles. Her Mom assures me it’s one of her favorite pastimes these days.

Back toBrooklyn. Apparently, she is also into babies these days. Or at least she was yesterday during worship. During the Kidz Korner yesterday, I was helping the other kids put together a “snow globe” of sorts that represents the three gifts the wise man brought to Jesus.Brooklynwasn’t interested in making a snow globe. She was really interested in the baby in the manger.Brooklynsaw Baby Jesus and decided that she would like to play with him. So, while everyone was watching, she picked Baby Jesus out of the manger, carefully making sure that she left his blankets behind. And then, she carried the naked Baby Jesus around the front of the church. Who knew that a little girl would kidnap Baby Jesus right in front of everyone celebrating Jesus’ birth during worship?

Brooklyn’s parents proudly posted several pictures on Facebook. One person commented, “Hey, good to know she found Jesus at such an early age.”

Wouldn’t it be great if we’d all chose to steal Baby Jesus from the manger and keep him in our hearts forever?

Let’s think about this. Generally speaking, we usually “steal” something only if it is of great importance to us. Or it’s something that we need or something in which we have a great interest. There must be some value for us to “steal” something.

What would it look like if we really stole Baby Jesus from the manger? It would mean that having Jesus in our life really means something to us. We would see that how this baby lived his life maybe has value and importance to us. Then, we’d make life choices influenced by what Jesus taught. We’d understand that living live as a follower of Jesus doesn’t mean life will be easier. It assures us that we’ll never have to journey alone. We’d understand how important it is for us to be the hands and feet and wallets of Christ on earth today.

I think Baby Jesus should regularly get stolen from the manger. This would assure me that people place great value on his life. As far as being carried around naked … well, that’s basically how he died. Naked, on a cross. Imagine what he was willing to do just for you.

Let us pray: Down in a lowly manger the humble Christ was born. And God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn. Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere; go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born. Amen.  

Blessings –

Dianne