CYBERCOLUMN:
Surprise in the barn
___By Donna Van Cleve
___"The Son of God was born in a barn.
___That is totally illogical. Are you telling me that the Creator of the universe chose to manifest himself to the human race by having his son be born in a low-class family? And the birth that should have had the entire world celebrating happened to occur in a crude, unsanitary shelter for keeping animals?

DONNA VAN CLEVE

___The birth of the most important figure in human history should have had a greater celebration than the birth of Prince William, in line for the throne of England. Heaven's press conference was not on the steps of a palace or to the crown heads of state. The breaking news occurred to some common shepherds out in the countryside.
___Does that make sense?
___Not according to us who feel the least bit intelligent. If it had been up to mankind to plan the introduction of God's son into the world, we would have searched far and wide for the most suitable parents--educated, wealthy, prominent, beautiful, healthy, oh yes, and believers. Only the finest birthing facilities in the world would do at the time of delivery. Money would be no object for the birthday celebration budget. It would have taken place in the most prestigious surroundings with the most beautiful decorations designed by the world's greatest artists. The greatest chefs would have prepared the most expensive and delectable dishes for the elite guest list--which would have been the hottest invitation of the millennium. It would have included royalty from all over the world, along with the greatest minds and talents in the arts and sciences.
___And if God had continued to allow mankind in its wisdom to be in charge of his Son from day one, we would have made sure he would have the best-trained body guards watching his every move--preventing him from having any contact with potential disease contamination or dangerous situations. He would wear the finest clothes and attend the most exclusive private schools. Cost would be no object. His friends and acquaintances would be screened before a relationship could be established with the Son of God. Only those deemed worthy, via pedigree, wealth, intelligence or exceptional talent would be allowed to get close.
___Mankind would be in awe of him and his graven images. They would know of him, but most never would have the opportunity to know him personally. The Son of God would be placed in an ivory palace, inaccessible to common man.
___Yes, if we were in charge of introducing Jesus Christ to the world, we would exclude 99.99 percent of the human race.
___Thank heavens God doesn't think and act like us.

___Donna Van Cleve is director of the public library in Cotulla, a writer, wife, mother and member of First Baptist Church in Cotulla, where she is pianist.






Baptist Standard