## Christmas Questions: Why the Manger?

## Luke 2:7

There is just something special about babies, isn't there? We love to look at them. That is why at the hospital, there is a viewing area to see the newborns. The little cradles at the hospital are made of glass so we can see their every expression and movement. Strangers will stop new mothers just for a look at their baby. We love to look at them and usually proclaim, "How sweet or how beautiful!"

This morning I want to address the question of the manger. The manger or feeding trough was the place where Jesus was laid by His mother. What a lowly place for such a high visitor. We look in the manger and find Jesus the king of the Jews, the Lord of Lords. This morning as we think of the manger remember He's not in the cradle nor is He on the cross; but Jesus is in Heaven at the right hand of Almighty God.

(Luke 2:7) And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

I. Why a manger?

Note: Jesus is the only person to ever walk this Earth who had the choice as to how He would enter this world.

A. It was His choice.

1. God gave His Son to us, but…

2. Jesus willingly came to this earth.

3. He wasn't forced, coerced, or tricked.

4. He knew exactly what this would mean, and all of the events that would unfold concerning Him.

5. Anyone who thinks Jesus was surprised by His rejection, arrest, trial, and crucifixion doesn't know the Word of God!

6. Jesus chose to be born in a manger.

(John 18:37) Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

B. It was God's plan

1. It was Jesus' choice, but it was all in accordance with God's plan.

2. It seems so strange to us…

3. Many songs have been written that question why God would choose to use such an unusual way to bring the Savior into this world, but it was His plan.

(Galatians 4:4-5) But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

C. It was Fit for the Lamb of God

1. Look at nearly every Nativity scene and you will find the newborn surrounded by animals.

2. Perhaps some of those animals would later be used as sacrifices at the Temple.

3. But there is no doubt, that the Christ who was born in Bethlehem was the Lamb of God that would take away the sins of the world.

(Matthew 1:21) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

4. Later John the Baptist would declare this truth concerning Jesus.

(John 1:29) The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

II. Who is in the Manger?

A. Mediator Between God and Man

(1 Timothy 2:5) For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

1. A mediator is one serves as a go-between

2. One who reconciles or brings together.

3. Jesus Christ was not just 'a' mediator.

4. He is the only mediator between God and man.

(John 14:6) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

B. The Incarnate God.

(John 1:14) And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

1. Literally God in the flesh

2. Up until this time God was seen in a variety of different manifestations. (as a cloud by day and a fire by night)

3. But now He is introduced in the flesh.

4. He was fully God, but fully man.

(Matthew 1:23) Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

C. Eternal Life

(1 John 5:11) And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

1. He not only opened the door, He is the Door.

2. He not only promised bread, He is the bread.

3. And He not only bestows life, He is Life.

4. Eternal means eternal: without end!

5. If we know Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, then we Know eternal life.

(1 John 5:13) These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

Do you know Jesus Christ as your Savior? If not, you can trust Him by faith today. He isn't the babe in the manger; He isn't on the cross; He is the risen Son of God who is seated at the right hand of the Father. He is there to make intercession for us. Will you come this morning and trust Him?

Christians, are we proclaiming the significance of His birth in Bethlehem? Born as the Lamb of God in a lowly manger? Risen and coming again? Whatever the need today, come.