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."
Jesus was rich in glory, power, and divinity, yet He chose to become poor. His "poverty" started in that manger. He willingly exchanged the endless glory of heaven for the stench and vulnerability of a newborn in a feeding trough.
Why would God do this?
It was so that we, through His poverty, might become rich. He made Himself utterly vulnerable and humble so that we could approach Him without fear. A great King on a throne is intimidating; a helpless baby in a manger is inviting.
The manger tells us that God is not afraid of our mess. If the Creator of the universe was willing to lie down in a feeding trough, then there is no place in our lives too messy, too broken, or too embarrassing for Him to enter. He didn't wait for the world to clean up and prepare a beautiful room for Him; He came right into the dirt and dust.
The fact that our Saviour started in a humble, vulnerable state is incredibly encouraging. It means He understands weakness. He understands the feeling of being overlooked. He understands the struggle of being in a less-than-ideal place.
Today, let's worship the baby in the manger. Let’s praise Him not just for His power, but for His vulnerability. Let the rough wood of that trough remind us that holiness isn’t about being clean enough or perfect enough to approach God. It’s about accepting that He loved us enough to come down to our level, making the rich provision of salvation available to all of us who feel poor in spirit.