Everyone knows that the advent of Jesus was around the time that we now call AD 1 (Anno Domini, “In the year of the/our lord”). Actually, some (that is, those hoity-toity types that don’t like notating general history with any reference to Jesus as God) now use CE (Christian Era).

Everyone also knows that dinosaurs existed between the Triassic period (245 million years ago) and the Cretaceous period (144 million years ago). Wait, did you know that? Even if you didn’t know that, at least you are familiar with the middle dinosaur period also known as the Jurassic period (approximately 208 million years ago) thanks to Hollywood and Michael Crichton.

Now, because of the wide discrepancy in time between the advent of dinosaurs and the advent of Jesus (give or take 230 million years) no one really ever stops to consider what might have occurred had these two existed at once on earth. I know I never had. Never, that is, until my son Asher started mingling his Fisher Price nativity scene with his growing collection of prehistoric reptiles (see photo above, click to enlarge.)

I know my son is only a pre-schooler, but at first sight of this monstrosity, I felt certain there were deep spiritual truths to be gleaned therein. Call it ‘supernatural inspiration’ or ‘accidental enlightenment,’ this dinativity provides for us a number of insights into the mind of God and additional reasons for which we can be grateful in this season.

First, take note of the ass that sits above the manger. According to Fisher Price, this is the spot upon which the angel Gabriel (currently middle, left) is supposed to reside. Instead, we find the angel helplessly writhing in pain after a swipe from the right claw of the T. Rex. This scene depicts the current disarray existing not just on earth, but also in the heavenly realm. As we long for Jesus’ second coming, we can look forward to the time when the spiritual powers and principalities will once again be in proper balance. Until then, we fight not against flesh and blood, but against all the unseen forces that threaten to tear down all that is good about our lives and our world. Until then, we must trek our addled lives on the back of asses waiting to be eternally buoyed-up on the wings of angels.

Note also, the baby Jesus, upside-down, but still in his crib of hay. I believe this is a profound allusion to the “upside-down” manner in which Jesus chose to save the world. He did not come as a political leader as many Jews assumed he would. He did not come in power and might as many others of the day would have hoped. He came as a tiny, defenseless, frail human baby. He was even subject to the knocking about by monstrous reptiles (had they actually existed in AD 1). The dinativity reminds us once again that in this world, it is not the first, the brightest, the prettiest, or the most successful that will find a similar spot in the kingdom of heaven. Christ came for the lowly, forlorn, down-trodden, sickly, weak and the poor ones. The kingdom that teenage and grown-up Jesus proclaimed is consistent with this dinativity message. For more on this, see Donald Kraybill’s seminal tome, The Upside-Down Kingdom.

Regard Mary’s position. She is on her back, no doubt initially ending up there from startled amazement at the sight of the Brontosaurus. Or perhaps she was knocked down by the wind of a tail-swat from that enormous creature. The point is, she has chosen to remain there. Face to Heaven. Arms upraised. If we were to hear the soundtrack of this grizzly scene—in addition to Queen Latifah’s addictive beat—we might also hear words similar to those recorded in Luke, chapter 1 coming from the mouth of Mary: “His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.” It’s like Mary suddenly realizes that God’s mercy doesn’t just extend as far back as the book of Genesis. It goes further. Upon her recognition of the millions of years that came before and the true breadth of history through which the Trinity sustained, blessed, and acted in His creation, Mary magnifies the Lord.

By now, it ought to be clear why God chose in his infinite wisdom not to allow the advent of dinosaurs to coincide with the advent of Jesus. If you haven’t already finished your daily devotions, take a moment now and thank the Lord for his wisdom and his grace. Thank him for his decision to keep modern humanity and prehistoric reptiles at a healthy, 230 million year distance from each other.

Finally, if you have a 3 year old (or 4, or 5 year old), run out before it’s too late and get them a Fisher Price nativity scene. Why don’t you also pick up a couple prehistoric reptiles. You never know what spiritual lessons might be lurking just around the corner.

Image © Eric Herron