As we attempt to teach our children the truths of Scripture, may we not neglect the hard truths. The Nativity story is full of pain, scandal and shock. Look at just a sample of some of the facts surround Christ’s birth:
- Mary was an unwed girl who became pregnant.
- Joseph would always carry the stigma of a man whose bride was pregnant before she was married.
- The parents of Jesus were lonely, poor and unknown in Bethlehem.
- King Herod planned to find and kill the child once he heard of His birth.
- Mary and Joseph had to flee to Egypt to escape the plans of Herod.
Depending on your child’s age (the older they get, the more they can comprehend and be exposed to) be honest and forthright about the actual events surrounding the birth of our Forever King. Because, interwoven amidst the unmarried mother, the poor, outcast shepherds, the murdering king and the fleeing family, there is the beauty of a world redeemed. Amidst the story of shame and scandal, there is a greater one of grace, humility and mercy. Miracle after miracle overshadows the ugliness of the fallen world.
In the context of a story we might otherwise try to protect our children from hearing, they can see and understand how "God works all things for the good of those who love Him," (Rom 8:28) and in so learn to trust the Lord during hard times. After all, if Mary and Joseph could worship in the midst of all they were going through, so can we!
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