It Starts Small

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Scripture Reading:

• Luke 2:7
• Luke 1:26-55
• Philippians 2:6-8

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 ⁷ Then she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped him tightly in cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Luke 2:7

While preparing for this series, I was struck by a delightful twist of humor. Have you ever embarked on a quest to uncover the most extravagant cribs in history? My curiosity was ignited! At the pinnacle of opulence stands the Suommo Dodo bassinet, a breathtaking creation crafted from 24-carat solid gold and weighing a staggering 188 kilograms. This masterpiece comes with a mind-boggling price tag of $12 million, although some sources dare to claim it costs $16.7 million! This limited edition bassinet is not just a cradle; it is an enchanting mimicry of a mother’s embrace, featuring a pod-shaped egg design perched upon a tall stand. The luxurious bedding is a sumptuous blend of silk, Pima cotton, and intricately embroidered gold yarn. With the option for dazzling customization involving diamonds and the finest white or pure gold, the already astronomical price climbs even higher. Other stunning examples I unearthed included:

• The Asnaghi Interiors It3001 Firenze Crib, hand-carved in Italy from solid beechwood with a hand-painted lacquer finish and silk upholstery, is priced at $22,326.70.
• The Royal Round Luxury Velvet Baby Crib with Rhinestones is available for $6,000.
• The Princess Tufted Crib in Blush Silk costs $6,800.
• The King Tut Bed is priced at $10,000.

When I was pregnant with my precious oldest daughter, I vividly recall the waves of concern surrounding SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) that made headlines everywhere. The flood of information pouring in about cribs, blankets, and pajamas was truly overwhelming. As a first-time mom, my heart ached to provide the absolute best, yet my wallet often dictated my choices. Then, a miracle happened—my daughter’s grandmother unearthed a stunning baby set at a garage sale, priced so modestly it felt like fate. It was absolutely perfect, sturdy, and provided the safety we craved. In fact, it became a beloved staple, lovingly used for my son as well.

If we, as ordinary people, can lovingly place our children’s heads in a cozy crib, can you even fathom the magnificent cradle befitting a king? Not just any king, but the King of the universe! I dare say even a $12 million dollar crib would pale in comparison for baby Jesus! And yet, He was not cradled in a golden cot, nor did He rest in a high-tech Intellicot. No, even the simplest Fisher Price or Ikea crib didn’t grace His humble beginnings!

Instead, our Savior’s head was tenderly laid in a humble manger. Most traditional manger scenes depict a charming little wooden bassinet, evoking warmth and nostalgia. We can easily envision cattle, donkeys, and sheep contentedly feeding from it. Yet, if we look back to biblical times, we discover a stark reality: the mangers were indeed rugged stone rectangular blocks resting upon a pair of cinder blocks. It wasn’t the delicate wooden cradle we fantasize about today, but a solid stone block that cradled the King of Kings!

This is where the Creator of the universe and the Savior of the World spent His first night on earth, not in a lavish crib adorned with rhinestones and gold, but upon a cold, hard block of stone—used by animals to eat from, a stark reality. At that time, Caesar had decreed a census, demanding the participation of every Israelite, insisting they return to their ancestral homes for registration. Joseph’s family hailed from Bethlehem, so Mary, burdened with the weight of impending motherhood, undertook the arduous journey. Upon their arrival, the crowds swarmed for the census, leaving no room for them to rest, except in a stable—or as some believe, a cave sheltering animals. From the humblest of women, to the most humblest of towns, in the most unassuming of places, the Lord was born and laid to rest each night in the humblest of “cribs.”

But this should not surprise us. If we get to know Jesus, we find out that our Savior embodies and exemplifies humility! In Philippians 2:6-8 we read:

⁶ who, existing in the form of God,
did not consider equality with God
as something to be exploited.
⁷ Instead he emptied himself
by assuming the form of a servant,
taking on the likeness of humanity.
And when he had come as a man,
⁸ he humbled himself by becoming obedient
to the point of death—
even to death on a cross.

Philippians 2:6-8

Today, as we joyfully celebrate Christmas, let us remember the true essence of this glorious occasion! It is not merely the jingling bells or the dazzling decorations that define this season; rather, it is the overwhelming joy of welcoming our humble King, who came to rescue us from despair. This celebration is a testament to the greatest love of all—the infinite, unconditional, and boundless love of God that led Jesus to the manger and ultimately to the cross.

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© Kimberlee Smith 2025 http://www.itstartssmall.com All rights reserved.