The manger…
A wooden trough where animals are nourished…
An unlikely place, an unlikely bed for a King…
In the midst of the unlikely, a gift was given, the long anticipated promise was welcomed…
The wooden manger, the wooden trough, the welcomed Savior…
What wisdom lies there ~ in the manger?
Let’s consider these…
- The {w}eathered manger held the {w}elcomed Savior, a gift for {w}eary {w}anderers…
Our Savior, the precious newborn, the one sleeping soundly in the wooden manger came to a lost and fallen world. A world filled with weary wanderers, aimlessly searching, longing for, hoping for unconditional love, undeniable acceptance and unlimited grace.
“For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost.” ~ Luke 19:10 (ESV)
- The scented {w}ave of the rose of Sharon {w}hispered gently, dispelling the {w}hiff of sin…
Don’t you love the sweet smell of newborns? It’s distinct, isn’t? It’s fresh, new and wholesome. Imagine the sweetness amidst the odor of livestock, hay and feed. This baby, our Savior, the sweet rose of Sharon filled the air, changing the atmosphere everywhere. His sweet aroma erodes the stench of sin. He saves totally, forgives completely and secures eternally.
“I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.” ~ Song of Solomon 2:1 (NIV)
“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise…” ~ Ephesians 1:13 (NKJV)
- The {w}illingness of the {w}orthy One, born in the {w}ooden manger, {w}on victory on the {w}ooden cross…
If the manger remained empty, the cross wouldn’t have been necessary.
If the Savior hadn’t been willing, the cross wouldn’t have been needed.
If the Father didn’t love us, neither the manger nor the cross would have been a consideration.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” ~ John 3:16 (NKJV)
The child, once a weary wanderer, caught the sweet scent of the Savior and willingly welcomed him into her life ~ my life. I’m forever changed, eternally secure and blessed beyond all measure.
Thankful for the manger…
Thankful for the cross…
Thankful for him…
Merry Christmas, sweet friends…
Linking with Thought Provoking Thursdays, Imperfect Prose, Thankful Thursday and Life: Unmasked
