Yes, babies are special signs of love, but there's more to the story, says Richard, 9: "God sent our Savior as a baby because kings would want to kill him. If he was big, he would be easily tracked."
Richard is on the right track because an angel warned Joseph in a dream to flee to Egypt. Herod, the Jewish king, wasn't exactly thrilled when wise men from the east showed up asking, "Where is he who has been born King of the Jews?"
If Jesus had come with great fanfare, King Herod could have sent his soldiers to a specific house in Bethlehem. Instead, he ordered the massacre of all children in Bethlehem 2 years and younger.
"God sent our Savior as a baby because he wanted to show us that God is our Mighty God and that even a baby could lead us to the right path," says Karly, 11.
"The mystery of godliness" is biblical phrase used to describe the ultimate paradox. Who can comprehend the depth of the descent Jesus experienced when he left the glories of heaven where angels continually praise God to enter a world dominated by people who live apart from God?
Almighty God not only experienced the limitations of humanity, but also the sorrow of seeing people reject his mission to offer his life as a ransom for sinners. Even his disciples resisted his mission. They, like others, thought the Son of God would come in great power and majesty to set up an earthly kingdom. And, of course, they weren't above jockeying for position in his kingdom.
God's way is different, says Stewart, 12: "If Jesus didn't come as a baby, people would be convinced immediately that he was the Son of God."
During his ministry, Jesus spoke of those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. God's ways are often hidden. The Bible pulls back the curtain on another realm where an angel announced the birth of a Savior in Bethlehem to shepherds watching over their flocks by night.
The greatest drama in all history unfolded that night in Bethlehem, yet VIPs were conspicuously absent. The Roman emperor probably had never heard of Bethlehem. Even for the majority of residents in this small, obscure town, it's just a routine night.
I would like to see a video clip of an interview with the Bethlehem innkeeper a year after he turned away Joseph and a very pregnant Mary on that glorious night. Would we see a blank stare and a shrug of the shoulders?
Spiritual reality is like that. Usually, it doesn't come with flashing neon lights. It's subtle, small and seemingly insignificant. Those with spiritual eyes see it.
Jesus could have descended to Earth flanked by thousands of angels. But he wanted to share in our humanity and demonstrate his humility.
"I think God came as a baby because He wanted us to know that He is humble and a servant," says Will, 11.
Will's comments remind me of the Apostle Paul's summary of Jesus' incarnation: "Christ himself was like God in everything. He was equal with God. But he did not think that being equal with God was something to be held on to. He gave up his place with God and made himself nothing. He was born to be a man and became like a servant.
"And when he was living as a man, he humbled himself and was fully obedient to God. He obeyed even when that caused his death -- death on a cross" (Philippians 2:6-8).
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.
Merry Christmas!
Write and draw for a new book about moms: www.kidstalkaboutgod.com. Bible quotations from NKJV and International Children's Bible.
COPYRIGHT 2001 CAREY KINSOLVING