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Luke 2:12-14 “This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
HAVE you ever wondered why God, the eternal Father and the Creator of the universe, reserved a manger and not a room in the inn to receive his Son? Animals drool into a manger. All manner of unseen creatures live in a manger. “Why the manger, LORD?” In truth, you could ask a number of “why questions” about Jesus’ life. For example, “Why was he born into a lower-class working family? Why did he grow up in Nazareth, a place of poor reputation? Why did Jesus wait until he was 30 years old to begin his ministry? Why did people hate him so violently? Why were some so eager to believe; but then, why did so many reject Jesus? Why did they kill you, Jesus?” Based on reading the entire counsel of God – that is, the Bible – the LORD God’s answer to us is something like this: “Why, you ask, did I cause my Son to have such a lowly birth, difficult life and tortuous death? My child, I did this for you. You see, my Son is my most treasured gift to you. Jesus’ life and his death is my demonstration of sin’s terrible, deadly assault on your life. My Son is also the visible display of the height, width, length and depth of my love for you. I sent my Son from his heavenly throne of glory and power to be a working man in a lowly place on earth, so you would know how to be a servant. When you join us in my kingdom, you must be humble to serve the world as Jesus did. Through Jesus’ life, I am directing you to do with me as I have done for you. “And do you know? I also sent my Son to a working life, so he more closely understands what life is like for you. As a man, he has experienced frustrations, temptations and pain. When you pray for protection and strength, Jesus knows your struggles and your deepest needs. “Yes, I sent Jesus into a suffering life. My Son was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and you esteemed him not. Surely, he took up your infirmities and carried your sorrows, yet you considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. He was even pierced for your transgressions; he was crushed for your iniquities. The punishment that brought you peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. (from Isaiah 53:3-5) “Yes, this is all for you, my child. I am God, who walks with you everywhere, even when it stinks and is uncomfortable, even when it’s deadly. My Son has experienced this. He knows your needs. You can trust him in all things, and turn to him because he’s now praying for you. Know the glory of God has come to a manger, so you will know eternal richness in my new heaven. “Yes, what joy there will be when you trust my Son! I will welcome you into my home to know the glory the shepherds saw that night is your eternal celebration.” Prayer: Thank you, Father, for your Son. He has come to dwell among your creation and personally in me. Teach me the humility I must know to faithfully believe and serve you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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AuthorBob James Archives
January 2025
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