What Do You See in the Stable?

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:11 NIV).

Decades ago, when I first became a Christ-follower, my church created a video of several people answering a question. The question was a simple one: “What do you see when you look in the stable?” In the room, a scene was set up to resemble the Christmas story.

I remember answering the question; however, I don’t recall what I said. Probably something predictable like “baby Jesus,” or something silly like “animals.” However, I still remember another answer I heard as I watched the finished video on Christmas Eve. The response has shaped me to this day.

A young lady in my church answered proudly, “My best friend.” I could see the truth of her answer on her face. She was beaming with joy. My immediate thought was, I want that! I want such a close and personal relationship with Jesus there is no doubt he is my best friend.

Twenty years later, I can tell you that Jesus is my best friend. When I look in the stable and see Mary holding baby Jesus, surrounded by animals, I see my best friend. Even though we are celebrating his miraculous birth, I can’t help but remember all he did for me and all he continues to do for me. His friendship is a gift.

When you picture baby Jesus lying in a manger, do you see your best friend?

I think today’s world has distorted what true friendship is. Or more honestly, has left us hopeless that true friendship is a real thing.

I volunteer with middle schoolers at church and have two of my own as well. It saddens me by the number of stories I hear from them that begin with the words, “I thought she was my friend.” And while I know middle school is prone to drama, I, too, recently caught myself thinking, “I thought she was my friend.”

Friendship woes, unfortunately, don’t end like teenage acne does.

When my middle school girls come up to me at church and share their stories of mean girls, all I can do is offer encouragement. I can remind them good people are out there, and there is a friend we can always rely on. My first piece of advice is to never repay evil for evil, even though it’s hard to believe someone doesn’t deserve punishment for the hurt they have caused us. I tell them always to take the higher road and be kind.

The next thing I tell them to do is to pray for the unkind person. I remind them, God is not done with any of us yet, and we want to pray for the people who hurt us to be open to Jesus and him working in their lives. When we pray for someone who has injured us, it helps us release any anger or bitterness that might be trying to take root in our life.

We are all sinners, and no relationship on this earth will be free from the effects of sin. Thankfully, though, we do have a friend who is perfect.

A Friend Like No Other

I’m so thankful Jesus came into this world and lived a sinless life, then obediently died on the cross to save me—to have a relationship with me. I am forever grateful he will always be there for me, and I will never question his faithful friendship.

Jesus is the first one I go to when I have something to celebrate, and he is the first one I go to when the world is beating me up.

He listens, comforts, and understands all that is going on inside me even when I can’t even fully explain it.

Jesus is a friend like no other. This Christmas, as you celebrate the birth of our Savior, take a moment to celebrate the birth of your best friend.

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your Son. Thank you for his birth, his resurrection, and the daily gift of his friendship. Lord, I pray I can take all I have learned about friendship from you and apply it to my relationships in this world. Help me to be a friend who points others to you and exudes your love to them. Jesus, you are my best friend, and I am forever grateful for you. In Jesus’ holy and precious name, Amen.

 Scripture for Reflection

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.  I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. (John 15:12-15 NIV)

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24 NIV)

One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend. (Proverbs 22:11 NIV)

Reach for More

As you celebrate the birth of the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace, take a moment to celebrate your best friend! If this year has left you hurt or disappointed in worldly friendships, turn to the One who is always there! Go a step farther and be a friend to someone who needs to be reminded that Jesus is their BFF, too!

Heather Gerwing is a homeschooling mom of four. She is a Jersey girl at heart but now lives in Michigan with her husband Jeff and their kids. Heather enjoys reading, coffee-ing, worshipping and writing. She is passionate about her family and living the full life. You can find her at heathergerwing.com.

Photograph © NeONBRAND, used with permission