Dec 25, 2024 6 min read christmas

Looking to the Manger

As we go about our days, let us return frequently to the manger, remembering that God is still with us today, waiting to be born and reborn in our lives anew.

Photo by Ben White / Unsplash

Christmas Day

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 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, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Gloria a Dios en las alturas, y en la tierra paz a los que gozan de su buena voluntad."

Atu-kuz-we Mungu juu mbinguni, na duniani iwe amani kwa watu aliowaridhia.”

“Terpujilah Allah di langit yg tertinggi! Dan di atas bumi, sejahteralah manusia yang menyenangkan hati Tuhan!”

No matter the language, the message is still the same! This is a message for all people, everywhere, and for all time!

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ...

Do you see those three dots at the of of that passage? Those three dots mean that the story isn't finished. Just as the shepherds went and told others what they had seen and heard, these dots represent your unique story.. what you have seen, heard, and experienced in your journey with Jesus. Your life is interwoven with a timeless narrative of hope that unfolds before us. No matter where you find yourself or your circumstances, this story belongs to you, waiting to be shared.

As members of God's church, we carry a profound purpose that mirrors these shepherds. We are called to share our testimonies – the transformative moments when our lives changed course and the profound impact of Jesus Christ on our journey. This week presents a perfect opportunity to weave these stories into conversations with family and friends, exploring their deep significance for individuals, families, churches, and our world at large.

In the rush of the season, we're invited to pause and contemplate the profound simplicity of the manger scene and what it has meant in each of our lives.

For those whose relationship with Jesus isn't flourishing, take heart in knowing you've found yourself in exactly the right place. God's presence draws near, ready to transform your heart, soul, and mind – whenever you're ready to embrace that change. As we transition into song and prayer, an invitation awaits those who feel the stirring of the Spirit or seek to place their trust in Christ.

Reflecting on the Advent candles brings to mind a powerful encounter from several years ago in one of Africa's most persecuted regions. There, pastors and church leaders bore physical scars of their faith – limping from beatings, gathering in secret homes, discussing Bible-hiding strategies and escape routes. Their small groups of 12-15 worshipped in whispered songs, their faith burning bright despite darkness.

What began as a teaching workshop transformed into a humbling lesson: the church often shines brightest when circumstances grow darkest.

In those faithful men and women, the four flames of Advent burned with extraordinary intensity:

unwavering HOPE
unbending LOVE
unquenchable JOY
and unmistakable PEACE

Each of these qualities is found in Jesus and is part of the divine image that exists in each of us. As Christmas approaches, remember that beyond the trappings of the season lies a gift offered to all people, transcending every boundary of geography, age, wealth, and culture – even reaching to the people next door.

As this final week of Advent unfolds, consider three invitations: welcome God into the heart of your Christmas celebration, practice unexpected hospitality, and bring your burdens to the Lord's altar. Like Mary in her ordinariness, you're called to reflect Christ's image in your world, remembering that candles shine brightest in dark places.

We gather together to remember the greatest gift ever given.

Emmanuel has come - God with us!

When darkness surrounds us, we look to the star that guided the way to Bethlehem.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

In a world that yearns for peace, we remember the angels' proclamation.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward all.

When our hearts grow weary, we draw strength from God’s love, seen clearly in the baby Jesus.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.

In moments of uncertainty, we hold fast to the hope born for us in the humble manger.

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.

As we move through this sacred season, let joy be our companion.

For unto us, a Child is born, unto us a Son is given!

Let the miracle of Christmas fill your hearts with unwavering hope, knowing that light breaks through even the darkest night. Let the unbending love shown in the manger remind us that we are cherished beyond measure. May the unquenchable joy that caused shepherds to leave their flocks and wise men to traverse distant lands bubble up within us daily. May the unmistakable peace proclaimed by angels that holy night settle deep in our souls as we walk through this coming week.

As we go about our days, let us return frequently to the manger, remembering that God is still with us today, waiting to be born and reborn in our lives anew.

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