By Jannie Linney
Most of us have heard the story of Joseph and Mary, and the fact that because of a census, they had to travel from Galilee to Bethlehem. Mary was with child. “So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the Inn ” [Luke 2:6-7]. Recalling this is good every year!
As I read the Christmas story, I saw so much God did to make it legal for Jesus to buy back what Adam and Eve lost. I also saw some things that were for our information. Because a flesh and blood man brought sin into the world, a flesh and blood man had to pay the price to give man the opportunity to be forgiven of our sins. That is why we needed a savior. We cannot earn salvation. We must have faith in what Jesus did for us and accept it.
First we see the humble birth in the stable, showing us by this humble birth, that He came for the rich and poor alike. No one is left out, no one! Now God wasn’t up in heaven chewing his nails saying ” Oh, No! My Son is about to be born in a dirty old stable What am I gonna do.” No, all this didn’t catch Him off guard or by surprise. Everything was well planned. Everything had a special purpose. His ways are higher than our ways. Read [Is.55:9].
The stable represented humility and the fact that Jesus came as savior for all mankind, not just the elite or those who think they are better than others. He was sending us a message much deeper than the surface knowledge of the black and white word. We know Satan understands the black and white printed word. God tells us that His “Word” is spiritually understood. That is why non-believers do not understand the Bible. Many Church attenders are not Believers of the word because they have no relationship with the Author. God is not a respecter of person. He is not prejudiced. He will give revelation knowledge to any who will come to Him and accept Jesus as their savior. The very reason He came to earth as a baby. I want to share about where they laid Him. That place was in a manger, a trough where the animals ate. The place of food.
You have read, “Taste and see that the Lord is good” [Ps.34:8] Also when The Lord Gave the last supper. When He broke the bread He Said ”Take eat, this is my body of the new covenant” He took the cup and said, “Drink, this is my blood of the new covenant [Read Matt.2626-28]. The word says “desire the milk of the word, that you may grow” [1 Peter 2:2-3] The manger being the feeding trough of the stable, we can see why Jesus was laid in the manger, the feeding place of the stable. God was showing us that Jesus is the Word, Jesus, is our spiritual food. Taste and see that He is good.
You have heard the saying “Wise Men still seek Him.” No matter the group, no matter the doctrine, or the century we are in, Jesus is still the only way to eternal life.” Jesus said, I am the way , the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” [John 14:6]. This is the reason the world and the devil hates Christianity, Saran wants to deceive mankind and the world wants to make up their own way to heaven. If you are wise you will choose “Him.” Ask Him to forgive you for all your sins and come into your heart. Come to Him on His terms. Make a decision to let Him be your Lord. If you have faith and believe He came for you, you will be saved! Get in Him. He is our Ark, He is our Manger.
