A Manger to A Throne

She wrapped him in cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7)

The manger is probably the most iconic image in the Christmas story. A manger is a simple farm animal’s feeding trough. However, it is forever changed by the one who had lain within it. It is functional and not beautiful, and yet it became a throne for the baby born ‘King of all that exists’.

Initially, we may be outraged by a pregnant woman being sent to a stable but this was all the innkeeper had to offer (well done him for offering that). Yet Jesus dignifies that which is offered to him. The stable was for animals and not people. However, the birth of Jesus turns the stable into something glorious. We then do not see the animals, the dirt and the noise as the stable starts to fade into the background. Instead, we see a baby surrounded by people coming to find him before he has even spoken a word. Jesus was welcomed into a dirty stable and it became a throne room and a place of worship.

The key to understanding is this: it is God who makes things holy not us. We may often think that we are not good enough for God. But God made a manger in a stable ‘holy’ by Jesus accepting it and using it to ”lay down his sweet head”.

Jesus is not waiting for you to tidy up. He is waiting to take whatever you can offer and be welcomed into your life no matter what state in which you find yourself. If all you can offer him is the equivalent of a stable then welcome him into it.

Jesus takes what is offered and turns it into something beautiful as he makes his home in you. Born as the Prince of Peace he will bring you peace by his presence within you. He can turn your heart into a throne room where He can rule and reign.

Blessings

Fraser