Meditations from the Manger

When we think about the scene of the nativity,

Jesus

Mark 10:45 (ESV)

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

The ultimate example of love.

What we have talked about previously:

Jesus is God’s plan of redemption.

This was planned for from the beginning.

We should be saved and follow this example of love in our life.

Bethlehem

Micah 5:2 ESV

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.

A small town that was used in a big way.

In a humble location, the Savior of the world was born.

There is no requirement of when and where God can and will work.

Other places might make more sense, and have more acclaim, but they can be used by God for mighty works.

We must trust that God can use the place right where we are for something big for God. Our town, our church, and our home.

The Shepherds

Luke 2:8–11 ESV

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:16–20 ESV

And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Your station in life does not matter. God recognizes and uses who he pleases.

A shepherd was a vital, but humble career.

These are the people who were first to witness the birth of the Messiah.

They were able to spread this good news into the world.

No matter how humble our position, or unable we may feel next to others, God cares for us.

The Wise Men

Matthew 2:1–2 ESV

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Matthew 2:10–11 ESV

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

Those who have high stations should humble themselves before God.

People who have power and authority often want and demand respect.

These wise men were wealthy and powerful, yet they came from far away to humble themselves and pay respect to the King of kings.

They spent their time, energy, and money to go and honor God.

Didn’t wait and see. Honored Christ as a child.

No matter what power, influence, wealth, intelligence we may have, we must humble ourselves before the Lord.

Joseph

Matthew 1:19–21 ESV

And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Matthew 1:24–25 ESV

When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Following God’s plan will not always be easy, or win you the favor of men, but it is worth it.

Joseph did not plan for his wife to be pregnant before their marriage. Even still, he was going to be kind in his dealings.

When told that he should marry Mary anyway, he trusted in God.

This likely came at the cost of some social perception.

Through all of this Joseph sought to be as good as an earthly father to Jesus as he could be.

An example to us all of how we are called to parent our children, knowing they belong to the Lord, but we parent them as those entrusted with a precious gift and sacred task.

He raised him to know the Lord. (went to the temple)

He protected them (took them to Egypt)

We should be willing to trust God, even if it doesn’t make sense, even if it costs us.

Mary

Luke 1:26–38 ESV

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Be willing to be used by God.

It might be unexpected.

It will not always be easy.

There may be pain. (saw her son die)

If we will be obedient, people can be blessed through our obedience.

We should be willing to be used by God, because his plan is better.

This morning as we reflect do you need to:

Remember Christ’s Love.

Remember God’s movement in unlikely places.

Remember God’s acknowledgement of those in humble positions.

Remember that we must humble ourselves before God.

Be willing to trust God, even if it is hard.

Be willing to be used by God, because his plan is better.