Jesus sleeping in a feed trough

“Lying in a Manger”

Luke 1:26 to 2:40

            As we continue our journey in Advent, we take the time to reflect on the Christmas story according to Luke. How many times have you looked at the nativity scene this year? Our family has one which I made out of pre-stamped images on fabric and sewed and stuffed appropriately.  A stable was constructed out of cereal boxes and in it the children would play with the Mary and Joseph, shepherds and animals. But to them Jesus was just supposed to go in the hay before they went to bed on Christmas Evening. Today this nativity scene is still set up and although the children do not play with it as they once did, it still is an important part of their Christmas celebration.

The nativity scene is manufactured in many kids of media including everything from plastic, wood, resin, glass and paper. But what does this nativity scene really show and what does it mean for those who are looking to find meaning in the world through Christ?

For some people it is the essential decoration that holds a prominent position in the household. For others there is no nativity scene found near the Christmas tree or in any part of the home. And yet even for others, this scene is outside the home so that others driving by will know that they believe in Jesus as the Christ of Christmas. But have you really looked into that nativity scene to see what occurred that night in Bethlehem?

It is not something quaint and nice and pleasant. This young woman gave birth in a stable a place where animals were kept at night. She was very young and was not ready for this birth to happen then. She used whatever she could to wrap him up and because she did not want the baby to be cold or get sick, she placed him in the feed trough of the barn animals. Comforting and quaint? I hardly think this is even close to what we experience today when giving birth to babies. We want the most sterile space possible in order that there is no infections gathered and scattered. But Mary had little choice in the matter of where she would give birth. Only God knew.

The words, ‘lying in a manger’ should challenge our thinking. The God of the ages and upon whom all hope and fear is placed lies in a feed trough. This baby is in a stable. Do you find this comforting or disturbing?

These four words tell us a story of love and hope. They state that there is a testament in wood and straw and that it contains more truth than would fit into volumes of books. In these words, we find answers to questions of life and faith. The scene was a promised sign to the shepherds and it was a billboard for the Christ child’s earthly parents. It was Joseph a carpenter who delivered this baby in to the world. What did he know about newborn babies? And how did the shepherds know about this infant?  The angels told them to find him in a stable lying in a manger.

Each time you see a nativity scene, remember that it was not a pleasant place to give birth. For Mary and Joseph who were alone, it was scary, dark and lonely. Their first child was born in a community of strangers in a smelly stable. They were alone until the shepherds found them and worshiped the infant- king. But they had fulfilled their promise to God and Jesus was healthy and safe.

PRAYER:

God of love you give to us Jesus an infant who was born to live, die and rise again all for our sake. Make us wise with the wisdom of understanding the depth of your love for us as you invite us again to that stable to worship. Enable us to find the real Spirit of Christmas in the blessings of Jesus. Amen.

BLOG QUESTION

A hymn:  Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head

The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

How does realizing that the birthplace of Jesus was a stable and not a hospital? What does this mean for you when you look at that stable and see the infant Jesus sleeping in a feed trough?