The Paradox of the Manger

Yesterday, we reflected on the fact that Christ was laid in a manger because there was no room in the inn. Today, let’s focus on the manger itself.

A manger, as we know, is a feeding trough for livestock. It's rough, crude, and smells like hay and manure. It is the absolute antithesis of a throne or a royal crib. Yet, this rough-hewn box became the first sanctuary of the King of Kings.

This is the ultimate paradox of Christmas. It challenges everything the world teaches us about power, glory, and significance.

Paul writes beautifully about this principle in 2 Corinthians 8:9 (KJV): "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich."