Countless ministers and their harried flocks, burdened by the swirl of holiday happenings, have caught themselves wondering if all the effort and expense of erecting manger scenes is worth it.
Let me tell you a tale that might help you to count the cost.
During the Christmas when granddaughter Kimberly was three,
a large church not far from her home put up an elaborate replica of the
And Jesus, of course.
Kimberly was fascinated by the whole extravaganza. Every time her family headed south from their house, she begged them to detour by the church for one more peek at baby Jesus.
January came, and soon turned into April. The manger scene was mothballed, as you would expect, but Kimberly did not forget. All year long, whenever they passed that way, she would point to the church and ask her mother, “Is that the house where Jesus lives?”
What would you have told her?
When her mama shared this with me, at first I chuckled. Then I cringed. What an awesome question to ask about any church!
Is this building where the deacons met last night to clip their preacher’s wings a place where Jesus lives?
Is this edifice that requires its owners to spend more on utilities than they spend on foreign missions a place where Jesus would choose to reside?
Is this house where the paid spokesman spends most of his energy teaching its occupants to doubt the accuracy and relevance of Scripture a place where Jesus would even be welcome?
“Out of the mouth of babes” comes not only praise but also some disturbingly pointed questions. Kimberly was only three, but she asked a question all good churchgoers ought to be asking about their places of worship. Whether it’s Christmas or July.
Is this the house where Jesus lives?
Only one answer is acceptable.