In A Manger
I’ve watched many Christmas programs through the years. But one vividly stands out in my memory.
Our youngest son was just three weeks old when he participated in the Christmas pageant. Swaddled in a white sleeper, he was sound asleep in the arms of the teenage girl playing the part of Mary. She carefully laid him in the manger. Our infant son threw an arm into the air, and there was an audible gasp from the audience because many weren’t aware this was a real baby.
Sometimes we forget there are real people in the Bethlehem Story. Joseph and Mary traveled about 90 miles from Nazareth to the city of David, Bethlehem, to register for the government census. Mary was great with the child and would soon deliver a child.
While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. –Luke 2:6-7
Limestone caves dot the Bethlehem’s hillsides. Shepherds have gathered flocks in these natural stables for thousands of years. Their flocks were protected from the elements and wild animals. Mary and Joseph found shelter in one of these caves.
Luke uses the word, manger, three times in this chapter and is the only author in the New Testament to use the word. Jesus was laid in a limestone feeding trough. A common, ordinary object, but on this night, the manger was an extraordinary sign.
In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. An angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people, for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” –Luke 2:8-12
The shepherds were God’s choice to be the first witnesses of this miraculous birth. They were working the night shift when the angel delivered the message of good news. Go and find a baby born in Bethlehem. He will be wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
A baby wrapped in cloths is common and ordinary, but lying in a manger is peculiar and unusual. This was the sign. You’ll know you have found the Savior when you see a baby in a manger.
The shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. –Luke 2:15-16
The people of Israel were looking and watching for Messiah to come! The shepherds were amazed as they peered into the cave. There he was, just as the angel told them.
Head to Heart
Sometimes we get caught up in the splendor and lavish celebration of Christmas. Jesus, God’s Son, was willing to leave the splendor of heaven and come to earth for common, ordinary people. He came to redeem sinners and transgressors caught in sin and despair.
This Christmas, let’s remember the baby as he lay in a common, ordinary manger.
For today, in the city of David, there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
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