The nativity scene is iconic Christmas! While I’m sure the magi, angel, shepherds, and animals didn’t strike a perfect evenly spaced pose around Joseph, Mary, and Jesus like what is depicted in most nativity scenes, it reminds us of all the biblical stories of Christmas. I’ve always struggled which side the magi and shepherds go on. It helps if they are facing left or right, am I right? I know where Jesus goes, but is Mary or Joseph on the left? I have a weird story of a guy in our church who, over twenty years ago, was so high on something that he came in the church foyer, rearranged the nativity scene on the table, broke the legs off of most of the animals, and put a soda can in the manger in the place of baby Jesus. It gets weirder. He left, started a fire in the parking lot, called it a burning bush experience, and took off most of his clothes. That’s something they didn’t train me for in seminary. While one person set the nativity scene back in order, I called some of his family and eventually the police to get him some help. I visited him in the psych ward after that and he overwhelming apologized and wept. On the third floor of the hospital, he said something like, “I’m sorry I mixed up the nativity scene. I’m just mixed up right now.”

While we might mix up the nativity pieces somewhat, there are some real mixed up situations in people’s lives that are more serious than if the donkey and the sheep are on the left or right. Here’s the truth: Jesus came to fix up the mixed up! I’m sad to say the gentleman never got everything in order, stayed on drugs, and even pursued some other sinful lifestyles. When I was with him I said something like, “Jesus came to fix our mixed up lives.” I spoke about the hope, help, and healing that comes from Christ alone that day, but sadly he rejected the only thing that could fix him – Jesus. Jesus is the Savior, healer, redeemer, and a friend in your mixed up situation. Let Him set your mixed up scene of life back in order.

Question: What is mixed up in your life that only Jesus can fix up? Will you let Him?

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stephenrharrison

Stephen and his wife Haley have called Arkansas home all of their lives. Stephen has served in several ministry roles over the last 25 years and as a lead pastor for the last 8 years. Stephen attended Williams Baptist College and earned a BA in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, an MA, MDiv, and DMin in Christian Leadership and Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University. When not pastoring, Stephen enjoys running, cycling, reading, writing, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family.