Pitkin Avenue Baptist Church
The Little Church with a Bright Light
Pastor Michael H. Mullane
pitkinbaptist.org
Why was the Lord of Glory laid in a Manger?
Luke 2:1-7
The birth of Jesus is a time surrounded by many miracles. There are angelic appearances, a virgin conception, split second timing as to the precise moment of His birth. The Hand of God is highly visible in the birth of the Lord Jesus. I never cease to be amazed by the simple statement made in Verse 7. The thought that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords would come to this world and be placed in a manger, is almost beyond my comprehension. A manger is a feeding trough for the farm animals. It wasn’t a bad place for feeding the animals, but in my mind it wasn’t the place for a baby to be placed much less the Son of God.
There are some pretty important reasons why Jesus was placed in a manger at His birth:
1) Because of Alienation: Plainly Jesus was placed in this makeshift cradle because there was no room available for Him and His family in the inn at Bethlehem. Isn’t it sad that when God came into the earth to redeem sinners, men responded by putting up a No Vacancy Sign. Well things haven’t changed much in 2,000 yrs. There still is no room for Jesus in society, schools, many homes and many lives. Have you any room for Jesus this Christmas Season? Is there room for Jesus in your Heart?
2) Because of Association: When Jesus allowed Himself to be laid in that manger He was making Himself available to all mankind. If Jesus had been born in a palace He would have been sheltered from the average man. He was laid in a manger and all could come and see. When Mary took her newborn baby and placed Him in that feeding trough she was painting an image far more vivid than she realized. The Bread of Life was born. Isn’t it appropriate that the One who would feed the souls of countless multitudes be so available. Psalms 107:9 “For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.”
Merry Christmas to All.
