My sister made this little potpourri bag manger scene for me some years ago.
It is one of my favourite Christmas decorations.
"'For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find the Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.*'" Luke 2:11-12
*"Feed trough" is how my Bible footnotes "manger." It's a bassinet painted with animal drool, and decorated with cobwebs. What a contrast - Savior, Lord — lying in a manger! This is a sign indeed.
But it is consistent. For throughout His life, Jesus characteristically associated with humble things:
- He spoke easily and graciously with women, even socially despised ones (John 4:5-7; John 8:2-11).
- He ate with tax collectors and sinners (Mark 2:13-17).
- He taught the dignity and worth of the poor, humble, needy state (Matthew 5:2-12, 11:29; Luke 9:58)
- He welcomed and blessed children (Mark 10:13-16).
- He washed His disciples feet (John 13:5).
- He was "numbered with the transgressors" (Luke 22:37) when He was "crucified..." and, as if that way of death was not bad enough, "between two robbers" (Matthew 27:38).
I have two reactions:
1. Amazement, that the exalted, all-powerful, all-knowing Creator of heaven and earth chose to identify with us in this way. The contrast is almost inconceivable.
2. Thankfulness. Paul expresses that the reasons for our thankfulness so eloquently in 2 Corinthians 8:9.
"You are familiar with the generosity of our Master, Jesus Christ. Rich as he was, he gave it all away for us—in one stroke he became poor and we became rich." Message
Wishing you, dear reader, a rich and blessed Christmas!
Emmanuel (Hallowed Manger Ground) - Chris Tomlin
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