By Sue Carlisle
The Baby in the Manger
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Beautiful Christmas cards portray Mary and Joseph keeping watch over their tiny baby in the manger. Can you imagine how Mary felt as she held her soft, squirming infant in her arms, shielding Him from the cold night air? She must have marveled at His tiny fingers and toes and stroked His soft dark hair as He nursed.
Carolers and congregations sing melodic songs like Joy to the World and talented choirs hail the majestic Hallelujah Chorus, but who is this baby who inspires such hymns and melodies? While storefronts glitter with garland and gifts and lights sparkle from trees and rooftops, the world cries out for a Savior. Have they heard the incredible good news of the baby’s birth? Who is the wee one in the manger?
He is the Creator. “All things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made” (John 1:3 KJV). He not only said, “Let there be light,” He is the light of the world (John 8:12).
He divided the waters—some to ebb and flow upon the earth and others to float above it, distributing life-giving moisture to parched lands (Genesis 1:6). He calls us to come to Him with our dry and thirsty souls. He promises rivers of refreshing, living water for those who believe in Him (John 7:37-38).
He brought forth seeds when the dry land appeared and filled our world with an abundance of foliage and food (Genesis 1:11-12). He became our living seed as He went down into the ground and died for us (John 12:24).
He is the vine and we are the branches. If we abide in Him, we will bring forth much fruit (John 15:5). Without Him, we can do nothing. He calls us to a close, living, and loving relationship with Himself, His Father and the Holy Spirit.
He is the Good Shepherd; He laid down His life for His sheep. He whispers our names and calls us to follow Him.
He is the bread of life; He satisfies our hungry souls (John 6:35).
He is worthy of praise and honor and glory because He is the Lamb who was slain (Revelation 5:12).
He is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End (Revelation 22:13).
He is Immanuel—God with us (Matthew 1:23).
He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16).
Hallelujah! Amen!
