Manger

MANGER

Have you ever considered the manger?

Some crudely cut wood pieced together

used as a feed box for barnyard animals

was nothing extraordinary after all.

A lowly, humble, crude trough

made out of wood cut rough

to serve a purpose -

to hold hay was its use.

Nothing fancy about it, probably quite plain.

Perhaps not even chiseled with a plane.

Nothing that would garner attention -

except when dinnertime came.

But maybe there was something quite remarkable.

One, it was accessible; and two, available.

It made a convenient bassinet or crib

for it would cradle a baby, it did.

The manger, a word heard once a year

when reading the first Christmas story dear.

Though humble, this lowly manger,

would cradle the promised Savior.

It's purpose glorified that night

brought the shepherds delight

for just as the angel said

it was the Savior's bed.

In fact, “the King's bed,”

it could be said.

God had a plan to turn what was humble, yet available,

into something extraordinarily wonderful!

* * * * *

Have you ever thought

you could never do that?

Is it because you feel insecure or inferior?

Perhaps lowly like the humble manger.

Do your anxieties hold you back?

Maybe it's confidence you lack?

Perhaps not speak in front of a crowd

because your knees would be knocking too loud.

Do you know God uses what's available

and He will give you grace that enables.

Do you suppose God could use someone like you

if you had the courage to ask Him to?

The Bible shows us God doesn't look at the outward stuff,

so if you think you're not thin enough or educated enough,

be aware God is more concerned about the attitude of your heart

then He is about status that you think might set someone apart.

Ask God to give you a testimony bold

and He will refine you as the choicest gold.

Notice God didn't chose the most gifted speakers

for God's Word records tongue-tied orators/preachers.

Moses and Jeremiah tried to bow out

when God surprisingly chose them to shout out

His message to His people,

their excuses being feeble.

God has a wonderful plan and purpose just for you.

All you need is to see yourself through God's loving view.

Like the manger, God has something wonderful waiting for you.

Ask God for His holy boldness then go out and share the Good News.

This will be a sign to you:

You will find a baby wrapped in cloths

and lying in a manger.

Luke 2:12

Moses said to the Lord,

“O Lord, I have never been eloquent,

neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant.

I am slow of speech and tongue.”

The Lord said to him,

“Who gave man his mouth?

Who makes him deaf or mute?

Who gives him sight or makes him blind?

Is it not I, the Lord? Now go;

I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”

Exodus 4:10-12

The word of the Lord came to me, saying,

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

before you were born I set you apart;

I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

“Ah, Sovereign Lord,” I said,

“I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.”

But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, 'I am only a child'.

You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.

Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you."

Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me,

“Now, I have put my words in your mouth.”

Jeremiah 1:4-9

Man looks at the outward appearance,

but the Lord looks at the heart.

I Samuel 16:7

Enable your servants to speak your word

with great boldness.

Acts 4:29

I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,

plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

As for you, the anointing your received from him remains in you,

and you do not need anyone to teach you.

But as this anointing teaches you about all things

and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit -

just as it has taught you, remain in him.

I John 2:27

Go and Tell

GO and TELL

Why were the shepherds chosen, do you suppose,

to be visited that night out in the cold

by a surprising angel of the Lord?

Why were the shepherds chosen, do you suppose?

We do know that the shepherds hurried to Bethlehem

to witness this wonder of which the angel had spoken -

bringing good tidings of great joy to all peoples

born that day in the city of David's humble stable.

That night the shepherds saw with their own eyes

a newborn baby in the manger lie

cooed too by the cattle's din

for there was no room in the inn.

Mary and Joseph hovered nearby

as the showed off their new little guy

to these shepherds who came from distant plain -

a Savior, Christ the Lord, who would one day reign.

After bearing witness to this sight

the shepherds overwhelmed with much delight

returned to the hillside to guard their flocks

after telling others what they had sought.

They had made known abroad

all they had seen and heard -

witnesses to the Savior's birth

when God's own Son was born on earth.

Is that why, do you suppose,

the shepherds were the ones God chose?

For they went and told

all they had seen and heard.

* * * * *

Christ the Savior is born

celebrated Christmas morn

for the shepherds went and told

and today we too have heard.

"Go and tell" is our mission

to spread the news of salvation

to every person

in every nation.

"Go and tell" good tidings of great joy

to all men and women, girls, and boys

for Christmas is more than toys.

It's a season for joy.

Joy that's given when we believe

that God sent His Son and we receive

this gift of salvation,

redemption, and pardon.

Joy in God's perfect gift to us, a Savior,

who loves us with unconditional favor.

"Go and tell" so everyone everywhere will know

the good tidings of great joy to all peoples.

"Go and tell"

one's heart swells

with God's love to everyone everywhere.

Today let someone you know God does care.

When they had seen him,

they spread the word concerning what had been told them

about this child,

and all who heard it were amazed

at what the shepherds said to them.

Luke 2:17-18

Abiding

ABIDING

Shepherds abiding

all night residing

on the hill

where moonlight spills,

when suddenly the night sky

is filled with angels who fly.

That dark sky was lit, we are told,

with the glory of the Lord.

The shepherds were afraid,

in fact terrified,

but the angel said, “do not fear”

and spoke these words loud and clear:

“I bring you good news of great joy

that will be for all the people.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;

he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you:

You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

After hearing these joyful words

these surprised and stunned shepherds,

filled with awesome wonder,

hurried to find the manger.

We read they did not tarry.

In fact, they quickly hurried.

They wanted to know if what the angel said was true,

for it seemed to them to be too good to be true.

It was just as the Lord’s glorious heavenly messenger said -

as they did find the newborn baby in a manger bed!

Because it was true they told everyone what they had seen and heard

before they returned to the distant hillside to tend to their herds.

These abiding shepherds were insistent

when they affirmed this awesome event.

Is it because of their persistence the Christmas story is everlasting?

Yes, these abiding shepherds had a part in history that remains enduring

for today the Lord Jesus Christ’s, the Savior’s, birth

is celebrated throughout the whole universe.

The shepherds returned to their abiding

filled with much glorifying and praising

for all the things they had seen and heard

which was just as they had been told.

I'm sure they were never again the same

for after seeing the Christ (Messiah) they were changed.

These abiding shepherds saw and believed

and wanted everyone else to believe.

As they continued to abide in the fields

I'm certain they also remained filled

with all that the Lord Jesus Christ represents 

and God's promised Savior, the first Christmas present.

* * * * *

Though the story is old

its truth is never old.

The truth is still the same today

as it was those many yesterdays.

The Savior has come.

Is he welcomed?

Jesus Christ can abide in your heart

if you ask Him to come in, just start

by praying “Dear Heavenly Father,

I realize I was born a sinner

but by your grace my sins can be washed away

so I ask your forgiveness right now, today.

I believe you died on the cross

to take my punishment. It cost

me nothing for you paid everything

so all my wrong doings to you I bring.

From now on for you I want to live.

My life, as it is, to you I give."

Such a simple prayer

the Lord will hear

and then abide in you

and help you each day anew

as you abide in Him.

He's waiting to come in.

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God

for all the things they had heard and seen,

which were just as they had been told.

Luke 2:20

See that what you have heard from the beginning

remains (abides) in you.

If it does, you also will remain (abide)

in the Son and in the Father.

And this is what he promised us – even eternal life.

I John 2:24-25

Fear

FEAR

In the dark of the night

under stars shining bright,

quiet except for a bleat

from a sheep that couldn't sleep,

shepherds faithfully kept watch

for sheep tend to get lost

then wild animals prey

on lone sheep gone astray.

Suddenly without warning

one night long before morning

the glory of the Lord shone around,

brighter than the noonday sun shining down,

causing these humble shepherds to be overcome with fear personified -

afraid, frightened, panicked, petrified, terrified for their very lives.

Heart stopping, shaking in their sandals,

consuming fear gripped their innards.

Not only did the glory of the Lord shine around,

an angel of the Lord of heaven and earth came down,

who immediately spoke timeless words of comfort and cheer

to allay any hint of overwhelming worry or fear.

Words that even today calms our fears:

“Do not be afraid” or “Do not fear.”

Words that God's Word repeats over and over for fear

grips our fickle hearts depleting it of joy or cheer.

The angel declared words of hope to the shepherds that night.

Words of good news that brought great joy dispelling their fright.

These words of hope triumphed over any fear;

in fact, turned their fear into holy, reverent/awed fear

for these shepherds quickly hurried to Bethlehem

where they found exactly what the angel had told them.

The promised Messiah, Christ the Lord, God's Son,

the long-awaited Savior, had finally come!

That moment of quaking fear one starry night in the field

had now turned into holy, reverent/awed fear, though not stilled,

for these shepherds told everyone, giving testimony,

repeated down through the ages – the first Christmas story.

A holy, reverent/awed fear where they could not

not stop glorifying and praising God.

Those who heard their report were amazed!

Hope soared again. Prayers of thankfulness raised.

Just think, Christ was born at the time of the census

when the city was full of King David's descendants.

This wonderful, glorious news must have traveled quickly

from house to house, inn to inn, great joy added to the revelry

of seeing long-lost loved ones, friends and family, who had come

not knowing that God's promise to Isaiah would finally come

one miraculous night in an unpretentious stable, lives now guaranteed a new lease -

our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

Those returning home continued to spread the good news

until this present-day civilized world also knew

that Jesus had come, He came to save

and through His love for us His life He gave.

This good news still reaches out to hurting human hearts today

as in the name of Jesus, God's peace is only a prayer away.

Yes, our Wonderful Counselor, our Mighty God, our Everlasting Father,

our Prince of Peace

can turn our quaking fears into a holy, reverent fear that brings great joy

and abiding peace.

When fear comes

go to the One

who is waiting to hear from you.

Abide in Him each day anew.

The promised Immanuel, God with us,

will relieve our fears when we learn to trust.

Turn whatever it is that brings fear into holy, reverent fear

by glorifying and praising God each and every day of the year.

* * * * *

Fear, in the form of worry,

dispels any peace or calmness.

This fear doesn't bring God glory.

In fact, worry is doubting God's goodness.

Worry says: God isn't big enough,

as we worry out loud “I've had enough!”

giving credence to whatever troubles us

which ends up eroding our faith, hope, and trust.

There is a God-honoring fear.

It's holy, reverent fear.

It's being in awe of God Almighty.

Showing Him respect continually.

To esteem the Lord God is to love Him,

by obeying His commandments found within

God's Holy Word, the Bible.

Holy fear will enable.

Unholy fear disables

doubting it's possible.

Holy fear has hope in God

who sustains us when times are hard.

Christmas reminds us

that God is with us

as our personal, loving Immanuel

giving us hope through what seems impossible.

How deplorable, this holy, reverent fear so absent from today's society,

where OMG degrades the one true God's holiness every second continually,

where God and His Word, His good-for-us principles, are absent from the majority,

and noticeably absent from so-called "Christmas" celebrations and festivities.

Tell someone today about how the shepherds quaking fear

was forever changed into holy, reverent godly fear.

Perhaps they too will exchange daily worry

into a testimony for God's glory.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them,

and the glory of the Lord shone around them,

and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid.

I bring you good news of great joy

that will be for all the people."

Luke 2:9-10

Do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph,

and the baby who was lying in the manger.

When they had seen him,

they spread the word concerning what had been told them about his child,

and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

Luke 2:16-18

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God

for all the things they had heard and seen,

which were just as they had been told.

Luke 2:20

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

With man this is impossible,

but with God all things are possible.

Matthew 19:26

Destiny

DESTINY

Within each one of us is a God-given destiny.

In Luke 1 Mary is about to find out her destiny.

Mary, engaged to be married to Joseph,

was visited by an angel on earth.

It's true. That's how it really was.

The angel acknowledged Mary as:

“You who are highly favored.” (Luke 1:28)

That's how God see us – favored.

Loved, chosen, fortunate -

as in His favorite.

Yes, even before you were born,

God had your destiny formed.

The angel knew Mary was greatly troubled

and immediately consoled her with these words:

“Do not be afraid.

You have found favor with God”. (Luke 1:30)

You know, God knows, too, when we are worried

as scripture reminds us often with these words:

Do not be afraid.

Do not be terrified.

Do not be troubled.

Do not be discouraged.

Do not be fainthearted with sorrow.

Do not worry about tomorrow.

Because God knows the fear in our hearts

His Word will strengthen us when we start

a daily routine of reading it

with just what is needed to lift our spirit.

The angel told Mary she would give birth to a son

whose name would be Jesus who would rule an endless kingdom.

This baby would be the Son of the Most High,

He would be great and would reign by and by. (Luke 1:31-33)

When Mary questioned

the angel answered,

“nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)

Yes, with God there is nothing too hard.

What was Mary's statement?

“I am the Lord's servant.” (Luke 1:38)

She willingly carried out her destiny,

one that affects everyone's eternity.

Mary, chosen to be

mother to this baby

that would change the destiny of the world

with this greatest story ever told.

* * * * *

You, too, have a chosen destiny within you

for God has chosen you for something special, it's true.

Perhaps you have the gift of giving

to someone in the need of receiving.

You've learned that the more you give

the more blessings God in turn gives

so that you can bless others more

from God's wonderfully, abundant store.

Maybe your gift is encouragement

for everyone needs encouragement.

If you find your world is a bit more cheerful,

perhaps your encouragement made it so.

And you'll find cheerfulness

is quite contagious

as others will offer needed encouragement

perhaps in the form of a hug or a note sent.

Whatever your personal spiritual gift is,

it is your destiny to bring it to pass.

Your destiny will affect generations after you.

Perhaps like Mary, living out the gospel message true.

Will you be like Mary and say,

“I am the Lord's servant” everyday.

This is your destiny

for all eternity.

I am the Lord's servant.

Luke 1:38

I tell you, do not worry about your life...

Matthew 6:25

Do not be anxious about anything...

Philippians 4:6

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.

If a man's gift is prophesying,

let him use it in proportion to his faith.

If it is serving, let him serve;

if it is teaching, let him teach;

if it is encouraging, let him encourage;

if it is contributing to the needs of others,

let him give generously;

if it is leadership, let him govern diligently;

if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Romans 12:6-8

Encourage one another

and build each other up.

I Thessalonians 5:11

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,

who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement

and good hope,

encourage your hearts and strengthen you

in every good deed and word.

II Thessalonians 2:16-17

Favor

FAVOR

When God sent the angel Gabriel to visit Mary

in Nazareth in the town of Galilee,

Gabriel's first words to Mary were:

"you are highly favored!"

and "the Lord is with you."

Assurances we all need daily, it's true.

What if we all greeted each other with such blessings:

a heart-felt greeting and benediction.

Our burdens would seem lighter

and our faces shine brighter

if we were reminded of God's presence

daily, not just during this season of presents.

What does it mean to garner God's favor?

Favor is being blessed with God's good pleasure.

It's God's approval, or acceptance, with blessings.

God's favor is connected with righteous living.

Righteous living is outlined in God's Word,

to be shared with everyone in this world.

The Greek word for favor is charis meaning grace.

Grace is often described as God's unmerited favor to us.

To simplify, it's God's unconditional love.

We don't earn favor or grace, it's free; from heaven above.

It might be hard to grasp unconditional love

as our finite minds places conditions on love.

Gabriel also greeted Mary with "the Lord is with you."

What a promise! The Lord is with you and will never leave you.

Note the word WILL meaning present tense.

His presence is abiding. What a present!

This present or gift was promised to Joseph by an angel as well

when the angel told him the baby's name would be Immanuel.

Immanuel means God with us.

What a wonderful promise!

Paul describes it as an "indescribable gift"(I Cor. 9:15).

Take a moment to ponder this gift in your spirit.

Then thank God for the gift of His presence

as you prepare to give Christmas presents.

Here's a benediction/blessing from God's Word to you:

May the God of hope

fill you with all joy and peace

as you trust in him,

so that you may overflow with hope

by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

* * * * *

The Bible tells us that Abel, Abraham, Noah,

Moses, Gideon, Samuel, Job, and many others

were commended by God because of their faith.

God's word for approval is favor, or grace.

Why were these men approved by God anyways?

Because they desired to walk in God's ways,

being righteous, blameless, godly,

set apart, turning from evil, holy.

Not by works, but through obedience,

coveting a relationship, through reverence,

for the fear of the Lord means awe.

For their life to give God laud.

To give God glory and praise,

to seek His presence every day.

For each day is a present.

A blessing from God, a gift.

The angel went to her and said,

“Greetings, you who are highly favored!

The Lord is with you.”

Mary was greatly troubled at his words

and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.

But the angel said to her,

“Do not be afraid, Mary,

you have found favor with God...”

Luke 1:28-30

Moses said to the Lord,

“...If you are pleased with me,

teach me your ways so I may know you

and continue to find favor with you.”

Exodus 33:13

May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us;

establish the work of our hands for us.

Psalm 90:17

Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace to men

on whom his favor rests.

Luke 2:14

Now is the time of God's favor,

now is the day of salvation.

II Corinthians 6:2

Chosen

CHOSEN

Luke 1 tells us that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was chosen.

There's nothing about Mary's upbringing written.

Perhaps she was from a modest family.

Certainly she came from a holy family.

It seems as if her family worshiped God

for her response shows she chose to please God.

She referred to herself as the Lord's servant or handmaid.

A role after which all of us should choose to be made.

Have you wondered where were Mary's parents

when the angel announced this awesome event?

Instead of discussing it with Joseph

she went to stay with Elizabeth?

Did she choose Elizabeth as her spiritual mentor?

Is that why God arranged to bring them together?

What did Zechariah think?

We know he could not speak.

We don't know if Mary had any siblings.

Do you suppose Mary was fair in appearance?

I'm sure as in choosing David to be king,

God did not choose her outward appearance.

God looks at the attitude of our heart

and Mary's heart must have been right:

devoted, reverent, trusting, believing -

in every aspect of her daily living.

Surely she chose to honor God

in all she said and did.

Certainly her words and actions

were filled with heart-felt adoration.

Based on her prayer starting at Luke 1:46

Mary was familiar with God's loving kindness.

And she chose to give glory to God with rejoicing

as she was humbled by God's incredible choosing.

Mary's prayer shows she was acquainted with God's ways.

She was familiar with how God provided, always,

choosing to praise God for His loving blessings

for God is merciful, though we're not deserving.

Certainly Mary's family believed a Messiah would come

and when that time did come He would surely be welcomed.

She was humbled that God chose her to fulfill this prophesy.

As she says, her soul and spirit were filled with God's glory.

Chosen for a unique purpose

known throughout the universe.

Chosen to be the mother of Jesus -

God's gift to us; celebrated each Christmas.

* * * * *

As Mary was chosen and used,

God desires that you choose

to be a child of the King

simply through believing.

Let Mary's life be an example to you

for she gave glory to God each day anew.

Though afraid when the angel announced the unbelievable news

she surrendered her life to God after receiving the news.

She chose to give God the glory -

a vibrant, bold testimony

becoming her life story

now established in history.

The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.

Man looks at the outward appearance,

but the Lord looks at the heart.

I Samuel 16:8

And Mary said:

"My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

for the Mighty One has done great things for me -

holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him,

from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones

but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things

but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever,

even as he said to our fathers."

Luke 1:46-55