When we think of the nativity during the Christmas season, one of the first things that comes to mind is the manger. The manger is a peculiar element because it’s not something we encounter in our everyday city lives. A manger is a feeding trough for animals, located inside a shelter for animals. The Bible makes it clear that it’s not the ideal place for any baby—let alone Jesus—to be placed in right after birth: “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7).
Due to circumstances beyond her control, Mary had no choice but to have Jesus in a place with animals and lay Him inside their feeding trough. However, God was using the inconvenience not only to fulfill the prophecy of Jesus’ humble beginnings on Earth (Micah 5:2), but to also paint a beautiful picture of what was to come.
One time in His ministry, Jesus was sought out by a crowd for the bread of God He had been describing. When they asked for that bread, Jesus replied, “‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst’” (John 6:35). Jesus dove further into this metaphor during the Last Supper: (Luke 22:19-20).
From the very beginning, Jesus was showing us how He is the source of life. He was laid in a manger, the animals’ source of energy. And decades later, He would become our Source of not just our spiritual life on earth, but eternal life. His Body was turned into the ultimate Offering on the cross with His blood covering our sins and His resurrection opening the door to eternal life for us.
For the next few minutes, close your eyes and contemplate the theme of Jesus as our Source of life throughout His time on earth. Invite God to peel back the layers of the similarities to grow your knowledge and awe of Jesus. Then ask Him for the wisdom to use any revelations as encouragement to rely on Jesus for your needs today.
Christina Chaiban
EFCC Attender