He (Joseph) took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born.  She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. (Luke 5-7 NLT)

I fashion myself as somewhat of a storyteller. If I had written the story, I might have rendered it differently. I guess that is why I am not God.

First, I would have probably choreographed it a bit differently. I would have had Joseph make reservations at an elegant inn. God wanted to bring the King of Kings into the world with a commonality of experience that we all have. Instead of the stable, I would have spruced it up a little. Life is a little rough around the edges sometimes.

Second, I would have made the story a little more plausible. Can you imagine how often people said to Joseph, tell me again how your fiancé conceived this child? After about the fiftieth time he was asked, he probably gave up trying to answer it. God must have wanted his Son to be understood only by faith.

Last, I would display my presumed excellent writing skills by creating an event that everybody in the world has to see. The occasion is so momentous; I would assume Its entrance must be likewise. God must have wanted to show us that when he brings greatness into this world, we often do not recognize it. God wanted to demonstrate humility instead of pride.

Yes, if I were God, I would have written it differently. Aren’t you glad that I am not God?

I worked for seventeen years as a missionary with Youth With A Mission.  My missionary work has taken me to Mexico, Canada, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Spain, and Ukraine.  I hold a Masters of Education in curriculum and instruction from Virginia Commonwealth University.  [email protected]