They Just Want to See the Baby!

Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to His temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come, says the Lord God Almighty. Malachi 3:1b

It was the Christmas season, and our younger son, still a pre-schooler, was spending the afternoon at Grandma's house. Now, Grandma's house is always beautifully decorated, but at Christmastime, it is nothing short of magical. An array of greens, poinsettias, and wreaths; the Christmas tree done up in a color-coordinated theme; carved, wooden Santa's of every shape and size; the warm aroma of cookies baking; yes, there is nothing like Grandma's house at Christmas. And in the living room-proudly showcased along the mantel top-stood a display of her prized, hand-carved creche figures, posed into an artistic Nativity scene. Our little guy felt quite at home as he wandered from room to room in wide-eyed wonderment. But that manger scene! Oh, that manger scene!

Hours later, after he had gone home, a quick survey of the house revealed that someone had done a little decorating of his own. In fact, he had somehow climbed to the top of the fireplace and completely re-arranged the Nativity! The imported, hand-carved figures, once perfectly posed just so, were now bunched together into a huddle, as if strategically planning their next big play. The Christ child that Grandma had carefully placed in the center, was now completely hidden by the swarm of figurines. Puzzled, but undaunted, she made it right again, re-posing the scene for optimum dramatic effect.

But his next visit produced the same outcome: shepherds, wise men, angels, and livestock all massed together into one big group hug. Time and time again. After each succeeding visit, the manger scene required reassembling.

She just had to ask. "Something tells me you don't like the way I arrange that manger scene!"

"But Grandma!" he responded, "They just want to see the Baby!"

And there it was. He had it right. Just how the real manger scene must have looked. Everyone excitedly crowding in-not posed for a mantel or greeting card-everyone just wanting to get a good look at that Baby.

Lord, may this Christmas be our greatest desire to see Him too. Amen

Suzie Thomas