Why the Manger?
In the Old Testament pages, God’s power and majesty are gradually revealed. The reader comes to know God as He describes himself as the great “I am” and the “Alpha and the Omega” (the beginning and the end), and commands that the Hebrew people worship Him above all else. Psalm 19:1 tells us, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.” In Psalm 139:1-2, the Psalmist marvels that God knows his innermost being: “You have searched me, Lord, and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar.”
Bible passages such as these recognize God as all-powerful, all-knowing, incredibly creative, and thoroughly awe-inspiring.
These descriptions of God in the Old Testament raise intriguing questions about why Jesus—who is God—chose to be born in such humble circumstances when He came to Earth in human form. At first glance, it seems counterintuitive that the God who created the universe, breathed life into humanity, and parted the Red Sea would choose to be born in a stable, surrounded only by farm animals and a few humble shepherds. These contrasting images of God can appear mismatched. However, together they beautifully illustrate His incredible sacrifice in becoming flesh and submitting Himself to the cross. As stated in Philippians 2:8: “And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
If we overlook the truth that the tiny babe lying in the manger is also the God who “created the heavens and stretched them out,” we miss the full significance of the sacrifice He made for us. This act by God is extraordinary; it is awe-inspiring; it is the essence of the Christmas story.
Rev. Edward Vines is the president of Faith Fortress.
Фото: Pixabay.
Originally published in The Vine, this text is presented here with the author’s written permission.
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