Manger |English Devotion | NHFCSG

Manger

"She wrapped him in clothes and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:7) 

In our modern age, small events are often inflated with over-description and presented as more important than they actually are. Yet under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Luke presented this most amazing event in an understated manner.

Where is the first place you place a baby after it emerges from the mother's womb and after a few moments of lying against it's mother's chest? Today we use super-sterile blankets and sanitized cribs. 

All precautions go toward minimizing the germs the child may come into contact with. Emerging into the world means being isolated from the world. But Mary laid Jesus in the feeding trough for an animal. 

The Good Shepherd took refuge that night in the sheep's manger, and when the shepherds came to see what was announced to them, how stunned they must have been. 

Of course, this would not have been Mary's and Joseph's first choice. They would have preferred a modest room at a local inn, but the No Vacancy sign was put out for the night. 

If it all took place today maybe a red neon light would have flashed a big "NO" at the parking lot. 

There are times when "no" is the hardest thing we have to hear. Yet Jesus has seen and continues to see the "NO" sign from the human race which he had a hand in creating.

Many don't even want to consider him. Even in the life of a faithful believer, there is so much in us that wants to say to him: stay out of that part of my life; keep that door closed; no, you may not spend the night. 

So instead, he stays where he can. A feeding trough will do. Not protected from the world, but lying in it. 

Prayer for today: 

Lord, make way in my heart and mind for you today. Unlock every door. Open the most valued places. Don't let me try to exclude you from any part of my life