“And she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in the manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7
Read Matthew 1:18-25
The more you reflect on this event, the more you should be filled with holy wonder. God became man; He became flesh. If you could have been given a glimpse into the manger, you would have seen a newly born child. He was a helpless Child, dependent on His mother’s care and His step father’s protection. This is the way God chose to send the Redeemer into the world. Should there not have been festive activities and an honourable introduction? Would it not have been better if the Lord had made a glorious entrance upon the earth as a mature person with heavenly splendour?
No. The Lord Jesus was born the same way that you and I entered the world; He came as the second Adam to renew the human race. He did this right from the very beginning. This was necessary because our lives have been marred by sin even before we were born; we have been conceived and born in sin. Christ was born to bring salvation to such sinful people, which is why He had to become as one of us. Yet He did so with one major distinction: He was born sinless and lived without sin.
Everyone who flees to Jesus in their deep need will receive a renewed life. His birth into this world makes it possible for sinners to be born again. His perfect life is the fountainhead for a renewed life. That is why the Lord Jesus could say: He that believeth on me hath everlasting life (John 6:47). The birth announcement of Christ is an amazing revelation! We should not just momentarily take note of this and then move on with our daily activities. This news should make us attentive. It ought to incline our hearts to seek Him. The Child in Bethlehem’s manger is the Saviour of the world!
Thought: Christ humbled Himself. Have you been humbled by this truth?
Psalter 109:2,3 (based on Psalm 40) Then, O my God, I come, I come, Thy purpose to fulfill; Thy law is written in my heart, ‘Tis joy to do Thy will. Before Thy people I will now Thy righteousness proclaim; Thou knowest, Lord, I will not cease To praise Thy holy Name.