A Way in a Manger

In 2007, I was privileged to go on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. I remember the 90-mile journey we took, via a highway, from Nazareth to Bethlehem. It was a convenient, comfortable trip via a motorcoach, air-conditioned, and among friends.

Now, I turn back the clock 2,000 years. There was no paved highway, no comfortable motorcoach, only a donkey carrying a nine-month pregnant wife led by a loving husband.

They were on the rugged road from Nazareth to Bethlehem. They were on their way to be enrolled because Joseph was of the house and lineage of David. We know the story which we celebrate at Christmas. But I think there is another story for us to ponder.

‘There was Love’

There was no room for Mary and Joseph in the inn. Jesus was born in a stable, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger. There was no luxury bed or comfy covers. But there was the love of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and the angels that rejoiced in the birth of the Christ child.

There was the tribute from the Three Wise Men giving gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Gold to honor the King of heaven, frankincense which represents the deity of Jesus (burned in the temple as an offering to God), and myrrh which is commonly used to embalm bodies thus the foreshadowing of Jesus’ death.

In the stable were the animals created by God. Jesus was there at their creation. But that is not all. Jesus was placed in a manger. A manger is a place where animals are fed their hay. It is a place for food. I think it is important for us to see that Jesus was placed in a manger.

‘Our Bread of Life’

Jesus became our bread of life so it is appropriate to see this as a way in a manger for us to live.

Jesus was born to give us food for our souls, a way in a manger, for us to live a simple life, sharing in the many blessings given to us.

So, this Christmas season, let us remember a way in a manger; the Christ child born on this Christmas day that became our salvation, our food for the journey.

I wish you the many blessings of the Gift of Christmas!

May your New Year be one of joy and good health.