Manger

The Manger

Once again this year, we set aside the month of December to celebrate the Advent of Jesus. One of the reasons we do this each is, that we affirm that there are things about this story, and what happened in Bethlehem, that matter to us, and around which we need to pause and linger and ponder, and keep on returning to, not only at this time each year, but throughout the year as well. And we do this not just out of tradition or habit (although there are significant elements of that too in this season) but because there is something here, in the richness of what this story reveals, that speaks to us on deep levels about the amazing, love and graciousness of God . . . and through which the Spirit continues to quietly speak, and draw us in, and maybe even surprise us now and then, as we continue to unwrap and celebrate, the Gift that has been shared with us . . ,the Magnificence of God revealed in Jesus.

This week Pastor Ken focuses on the manger; more specifically, the way that this amazing gift came to us, how it was wrapped and delivered . . . and perhaps a few things that we may have lost sight of over the years as the story as been told, perhaps embellished a bit, and maybe not always fully understood. It is a look at how a giraffe might be able to find its way into a manger scene, as well as a look at what parts of the picture we may have missed that still speak with power and relevance to us today.

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Luke 2

NIV

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.