What’s wrong with cute little manger scenes? Nothing. Nothing at all. They are terrific…if you’re under 10 years old, and perfect if you have already returned “like a child” and believe. They encapsulate the major events of the incarnation of God in the person of Jesus for those two groups of people.

However, for those who are doubting, for those who have never believed in the first place, and for those who have already turned away, the cute little manger scene can appear as childish nonsense. Worse, the cute little manger scene doesn’t tell the story that is in the actual texts. Even the Charlie Brown version takes out all the pain, terror, suffering, and glory of what happened in these events.

The cartoon version has its place and purpose for telling the overall story of the infancy narratives, but for people today who have never read the books, or don’t want to read Matthew and Luke, these simplified images gloss lazily over the real struggle, challenge, and fear that cries out subtly but constantly from the understated biographies of the infant who came to be known as Jesus of Nazareth.

Welcome to the airing of grievances. After complaining for a while, then I’ll tell you why I love cute little manger scenes.

screenshot from dreamstime.com

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