Born in a Manger

“And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger”

Luke 2: 12 (New King James Version)


We read in the prior verses that the shepherds were in the fields keeping watch over their flock by night and an angel of the Lord stood before them and the glory of the Lord shone around them. It is no surprise that they were afraid. But listen carefully to what the angel said.

We read in verse 10, “Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.” The angel tells the shepherds that he has good news for them… and that news is not just regular news… its good news of great joy. And wait there is more … its not just for the shepherds but its for all people ! Verse 11 , “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Wow ! Christ the Lord is born ! He has come as it had been prophesied .
And do you know what was THE sign given to the shepherds to find who was Christ ? We read in verse 12 that the shepherds would find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying where ? In a manger !!

What is a manger ? Its a trough or box of carved stone or wood construction used to hold food for animals in a stable. Immediately I was reminded of the verse in John 6: 58, “This is the bread which came down from heaven – not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.” Christ came to world to save us from our sins… and He took our place on the cross and died for our sins that we who believe in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. He did not come to the earth being born in a royal palace. No no no . He lay in a manger signifying His purpose !

Its no wonder that we read in Luke 2:13-14 , “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying : Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

God Bless