The manger, cross, and empty tomb are problematic to non-believers. Those who wished Jesus hadn't lived are intellectually dishonest if they say he didn't. Reality and history were the opposition's problem from the very beginning. The politicians and leaders of Jesus' day could not deny their own eyes, nor could they silence the many who witnessed Jesus' unexplainable life.
The manger, cross, and empty tomb are actually anchored in history. These Christian symbols are part of an actual story told by many witnesses--friendly and otherwise. Believers can be dismissed as fanatics, but doubters, unbelievers, and outright enemies corroborate the historical narrative. Herod tried to eliminate a prophesied child rival, the child king became a man and was crucified, and the crucified child king left an empty tomb.
It's in the history books: Some sort of remarkable man lived such a controversial and misunderstood life that he divided time--BC and AD. Believers take Jesus' life and claims on faith. The faithful are often quick to say faith does not require reason, but it is singularly significant our faith has historical roots.
At the very least, history suggests something irregular happened in the train of human events in Jerusalem around 30-35 AD. C.S. Lewis says we (humanity) witnessed an absolutely raving lunatic or someone who appeared to observers to act as the Son of God.
Here, I stop. It is pointless to argue with non-believers and unnecessary to convince believers. My point today, a week or so before Christmas 2011, is how wonderful and marvelous it is to ponder the manger, cross, and empty tomb. How appropriate it is to celebrate Advent and the coming of God as a Man of Sorrows, Savior of my soul.
