“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David): To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:4-7 KJV)
Here is the Gospel distilled in a baby’s birth event. And we sing about it every year as the story is told one more time. A wonderful story! Marvelous love! Rejected at birth, God’s son was laid in a manger because there was no room for him.
Probably the first Christmas carol you can remember hearing is Away in a Manger. Such a sweet song. It melts our hearts. It reveals the love of God. Pointing to the past, it tells of a baby being born in humble circumstances. And for the present, it reminds us that the baby in the manger is also our Eternal Priest. “Be near me Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay” is a prayer for the present and the future.
He may have been born in a stable and laid in a manger, but he isn’t a baby anymore. He grew up and lived and died as our Lord and Savior. He is the One who was and is and is to come. Our Eternal King!
There are all sorts of confusing arguments about how this simple Christmas carol came to be. But despite it’s complicated history, the song gives a simple, enduring message. God’s love came to us. God’s love is ours today. God’s love will always surround us. That is the message we need today — Christmas Day — and every day.
Dear Father, thank you for your love and your Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Remember us today , O God, and let your love abound in our lives. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today and be merry in Christ,