Bible Reading: Luke 2:12
What in the world is a manger? Apparently a manger is where food (a.k.a fodder) for livestock, such as cows, donkeys, and horses is placed. It’s simply a feeding trough.
Most nativity scenes show a wooden v-shaped manger, but apparently this is not correct. Since wood is/was scarce over in the Judean area, stone was used to build most homes, walls, etc. This includes the manger. The manger was probably a hollowed out stone that fodder was placed in.
Not wanting to place the newborn Christ on the cold, wet, damp ground, Mary placed Jesus on top of the feeding trough to snuggle down into the hay. Of course, she wrapped (a.k.a. swaddled) him first in cloths to keep him warm. The animals, hungry for food & curious to this new smell, I’m sure sniffed & check-out the newborn. The cattle are lowing – they are mooing – probably from all the excitement.
It’s ironic that the Messiah was placed in a manger – a place for food. Although not the bread of life for animals, Christ is our bread of life.
“For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world….I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” ~ John 6:33,35, NIV
We know that people can survive on bread & water alone. It is possible. But Christ is not talking about physical food here, He is speaking about spiritual food.
“He (God) humbled you, causing to you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” ~ Deuteronomy 8:3, NIV
“Give us this day our daily bread.” ~ Matthew 6:11, NKJV
We are to feed on Christ & His Word every day to nourish / refresh our souls. It is through this Bread of Life (Jesus) that we can have eternal life. (see John 6)
Jesus did not come into this world fully grown on a golden throne, surrounded by hundreds of armed guards in a stately castle up on a hill. He came as a babe, lying in a manger, easily accessible – available to the everyday man, even the lowliest of sinners.
Christmas Music:
Ornament Ideas: Cow
Coloring / Art Ideas:
- Related – The Nativity Tree: 25 Days of Christ
- Related – The Nativity Tree: Day 14 – Candy Cane
- Related – The Nativity Tree: Day 16 – Bells / Harp
- Related – December Bible Verse Bookmarks
