19 December

Lying in a Manger

“And you will recognise him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12

Pondering this verse, I am astounded by the extent of God’s humility and sheer grace towards humanity. Lying there in a manger; amongst lowly animals and in a fragile body, was the eternal King of glory! This baby was the very breath that gave life to all things, seen and unseen, and for whom all things were created to worship (John 1:1–4; Colossians 1:15–17; Revelation 4:11).

Of him the prophets spoke, and though his arrival and promise of deliverance from Satan’s oppression was highly anticipated, the manner in which he came was totally unexpected. Despite an angel announcing his birth and providing the sign to distinguish Him from other babies, many still missed him.

Pause. Imagine that you had an inexhaustible knowledge and unmatched power in every universe. Would you choose to be born into this setting?

Yet Jesus, our God, did not only choose a lowly birth but also suffered the most humiliating death so that we can be raised up to the place reserved only for sons and daughters of the Most High God (John 1:12–13; 2 Corinthians 5:17–21). Even today, he still uses the lowly things of this world to accomplish His eternal purposes (1 Corinthians 1:26–31).  

I encourage you, therefore, be watchful for God’s visit to you and listen carefully for what He may be asking of you in this season. It may not come as you expect but it is nevertheless an orchestration of God our Father, designed for your all-round salvation and for His glory alone.

Mo Akinboboye