Lloyd E. Meyer, 32°
14610 Garrett Avenue, Apt. 306, Apple Valley, Minnesota 55124

The nativity remains a mystery, but its message will be celebrated forever.

Detail from Adoration of the Magi by Sandro Botticelli

Had cameras been in existence 2,000 years ago, surely we would have several good color photographs of the stable where the Master of Nazareth was born. Not having such an image, it has been left to the imagination of each individual to form his own picture of the nativity scene.

As a boy growing up on the western prairie, a shelter where animals were housed was called a barn. A stable was where mostly wealthy people kept spirited horses and fancy carriages. Not for a moment can we assume the stable in Bethlehem was anything like either of these. Most likely the structure was made of stone and mortar or something closer to a cave. The birth taking place during darkness, the only available light probably would have come from a smoky, tallow-burning lamp.

For centuries, the world's most skilled artists have done their very best to depict their image of the stable scene. Some show a baby lying on hay in a manger or at times in a cradle. Others have added various animals such as an oxen, donkey, or sheep, and still others include angels. We cannot say which is the closest resemblance to the real thing. Sculptors, wood carvers, and artists in every medium have followed with their own personal impressions of the event.

Each year I go to the attic and bring down the Christmas decorations, hang the stockings by the chimney, place lights on the tree, and add a few trinkets. With papier-mâché characters, I arrange a crèche on the mantle. Having finished, it occurs to me that Christmas is more than papier-mâché. It matters not what the nativity scene was like. It was something that happened in a stable in Bethlehem. It was in this humble setting that the Creator chose to keep in close touch with his people and to send them a message.

The nativity scene shall remain a mystery. The message of Christmas we shall celebrate forever: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:14). May you have a joyous holiday!

Lloyd E. Meyer became a Master Mason in Minnehaha Lodge No. 165 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1955 and a Master of the Royal Secret in the Valley of Minneapolis in 1959. Brother Lloyd is now 102 years young.