One of the most recognizable images of Christmas is the nativity scene, with Jesus in the manger. I love that scene. It provides so much in one image - the image of hope, joy, strength, and love. All of that is projected from the manger, the wooden crib that Mary laid Jesus into because there was no room for them. A wooden crib, the humblest of cribs, located in a stable. How can a humble manger project the images shared above?
The crib of hope - God came down as a baby to be laid in a humble manger. The hope of the world laid in a wooden manger. Jesus, God made man, was brought into the world to later hang on a wooden cross as he died for the hope of all who believe. Hope is what every Christian has, knowing our death will mean eternal life.
The crib of joy - even the angels praised God, as Jesus was born and placed into the manger. The joy that the angels and shepherds shared on that first Christmas was the joy that was seen at the empty tomb. The joy of Jesus brings us the joy we need every day - the joy that helps us to share Jesus with others.
The crib of strength - as the infant Jesus laid his head in the manger, he became the strength that was needed, not just then, but even as he hung on the cross. The strength that Jesus showed during the entire crucifixion is in the hearts of all Christians. It is that strength that we call upon when we can no longer go on. When we are weak, Jesus is our strength.
The crib of love - Jesus being laid in the manger was God's love coming to earth. There is no greater gift than God's unconditional love. We have such need of that, every day of our lives. Not only was that love revealed in the manger, it was even more greatly revealed as Jesus hung on the cross. Jesus' love for each and every one of us was on the cross as he died for our sinful lives. Because he died on the cross, we can live a life where our sins are taken onto Jesus' shoulders.
The wood of the manger and the cross brought us hope, joy, strength and love. The connection of that wood, from Christmas day to Good Friday, helps us to see Jesus coming to earth was done for each and every one of us. Let us forever sing God's praises for his life, from the manger to the cross.
Dearest Jesus, thank you for using humble wood in your birth and the tree of the cross upon your death. Each time we see the manger of Christmas, may we also see the cross of your death. From the manger to the cross, your life on earth was for our life in heaven. May we always keep that message in our hearts. In your heavenly name we pray, Amen!
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