God becomes human through a young and humble woman.
God becomes human by being born in a stable with farm animals.
When God becomes human the good news is first proclaimed to shepherds, who were not the highest ranking people in the society by any stretch of the imagination.
When God becomes human, he really becomes human. He's not a super human. He's not powerful or impressive by any worldly measurements. God becomes human by meeting us right where we are.
Most nativity scenes don't do justice to just how lowly the whole situation was. The barn, manger, and animals were common, less than common even. The shepherds are way overdressed and far too clean cut. The shepherds in the Bethlehem countryside would have been a messy bunch and I'm sure they would have had long disheveled beards. In fact as I sit hear and ponder those shepherds I can't help but think of the Robertson clan in the reality TV show: Duck Dynasty.
The idea behind that show lies behind the real-life story of a true Louisiana red-neck (his words), who loves hunting and the outdoors, making it rich because of an extremely successful line of duck calls he created under the name Duck Commander. Now Phil has gotten up in years and its time for his son Willie to take over the business as the CEO. The TV show follows Willie's struggles with keeping both the successful business and his crazy "red-neck" family together. It's hilarious. Phil and Willie are the stars, but its Uncle Si and brother Jase who really steal the show. Yes they have money, and they are successful by worldly standards, but that doesn't stop them from being the people God created them to be. Money or no money, success or no success, you know that this gang wouldn't be one bit different.
This is why the Robertson Family would make fantastic shepherds for any church's Nativity Play. They are the real deal. They are human. They are not going to pretend for anyone... not even for God.
God entering into created reality at Christmas means that we may be and should be humans before God. God, who can do anything God chooses do to, chooses to meet us right where we are, just as we are. Be yourself... and certainly don't pretend.
The authenticity of the show Duck Dynasty has me shaking my head every week: "They can't possibly be acting" I say to myself, shaking my head as I watch them get into another crazy conversation about life.
God gives us permission to be the real deal before him. Come to the Christ child, just as you are. God has met you in Jesus. Oh yes, the world is going to change through this Messiah. And he will convict us through his cross and give us life through his resurrection, but the change that is made in you will be authentic, coming from your heart.
So be yourself this Christmas. Let your hair grow out. Don't put on a show. Come to Bethlehem and see the baby... just as you are.
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