Manger

On the other Side the Door

/ pastorpete51 / 3 Comments

 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7 ESV

The first people to see Jesus were Joseph and Mary. Theirs had been a long a difficult journey. They had faced the rejection, and disapproval of families and neighbors. On that final night their faith was rewarded with the sight of tiny eyes opening as Jesus came into this world. He took His first breath as they watched and He was held by Mary when He cried. Then Joseph wrapped Him in cloths and gently laid Him in the hay for His first nap!

Today, think of the Inn keeper who stood just behind the door he had closed. He missed His chance to see the birth of the Son of God. But shepherds came breathlessly hurrying into the village to see if what the angels had told them was true. While shepherds were shouting praises we have no record of neighbors just down the street joining in the crowd. That night they were next door to Jesus but missed holding his hands or kissing His cheeks.

Do you long to see the face of Jesus Christ th

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is Christmas? He could be just behind a door we ourselves have shut. Jesus is still waiting and God calls us to come and to see Him. Why not, “Come and behold Him born the King of Angels”?

 

A 21st century Christmas

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And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

21 centuries have come and gone since what began as a dark lonely night in Bethlehem. Jesus was not expected that night. Joseph and Mary had planned and hoped for a quiet and safe place but Jesus came to the stable. Mary remembered the messages of Gabriel and her cousin Elizabeth of His greatness but no one even took time to turn their head to notice. The Son of God came into the world on a night when all that was expected was for Joseph to pay his taxes. Though the date is still unknown we set aside December 25 to mark His birth. We can be like shepherds coming in from our fields to tell the wonderful news of God’s salvation. We can be like wise men bringing our gifts and worship because our King is here! We can be Joseph and Mary, ready to leave at moments notice to bring Jesus anywhere God leads us. Yes this world is dark and only the humble have a place for Him and still He comes. Yes powerful forces more evil than Herod wish to eradicate Him from the earth yet He rules a kingdom that can never be overthrown. Yes there are some who will not so much as turn their heads to give notice to His presence but He still accepts frightened shepherds, weary travelers and curious children. He still waits with the good news of great joy for all who believe in Him!

How Will We Come?

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And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  Luke 2:12 KJV

Try to imagine how the shepherds reacted after hearing the angel’s message, then being astonished at a crowd of more angels suddenly appearing in song. Can you picture with me sandaled feet eagerly tripping over rocks and roots along the dark pathway leading down into the village? Can you hear them eagerly urging one another on as they rush towards the stable filled with animals, hay and one small child?

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And how will we come? Will we shower and shave, then carefully pick out our finest new clothes for the church service? Will we slowly decide which tie best fits the mood for Christmas? Have we shined our shoes and carefully combed our hair? Where is the desperate flight towards the place of Jesus? Where is the longing to see if it is just as the angel said? How are we to come to the manger this year? Will it be just another soft sleek and memorable Christmas or will we join the earnest footsteps of the shepherds thundering down the trail to the manger. If we were to come in all our regal best would we even recognize Him, the very Son of the Highest lying quietly among cows and sheep and wrapped in swaddling cloths?