2019-12-22

December 22.  “CHRISTMAS: The Manger Revisited”

“Let’s go the Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has told us about. “  Luke 2:15

Christmas offers the opportunity to revisit the manger.  This can become a reality as we revisit the manger through our eyes of faith.  Man’s attempt at the pageantry and dramatic expression cannot come close to revisiting the manger through eyes of faith.

The shepherds came and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby. They followed the Heavenly announcement and found the Christ child.  That is the heart of faith: taking God at His word. 

The shepherds obeyed the message they received, just as both Mary and Joseph obeyed from within their own encounter with God.  This is personal faith:  taking God at His Word in a very personal and responsive way. 

The Shepherds responded by going and telling, and then returning and worshipping.  Mary responded by treasuring and pondering the entire event deep in her heart.  This is the activity of faith: responding in body and soul to the truth experienced.  The shepherds experienced the Christ, and their feet began moving, and their mouth began speaking.  Mary experienced the Christ, and oh how her soul was transformed that night as she treasured (held dear) and pondered (meditated upon) the truth of Jesus.

When we revisit the manger, we see a significant picture of faith in Jesus Christ.  The heart of faith comes before Jesus in worship. The personal expression of faith prompts obedience to Jesus and His Lordship over our lives.  The activity of faith encourages our physical response through going, serving, and telling of Jesus; this response involves our heart’s devotion and love for Jesus.

Do you need to revisit the manger?  Do you need this time of year to strengthen your faith?

This is faith.  This is life.  This is Christmas.    

READ: Today, read Luke 2:1-20 and revisit the Manger of our Lord. 


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