Away in a Manger remains my favorite Christmas song, as my father would sing it throughout my life, since I was a child. The last time he did was in early December 2011 as I spent a day with him at his home.

A week or so later, I was at Disneyland in California when I received the call he died on December 23rd, the 57th anniversary of our parents’ wedding.

I didn’t know much about the manger that Jesus was laid in until after Dad died. Of course, mangers to me were animal feeding troughs, but I learned that in ancient Israel, they were made of stone – not what you would see in a modern-day nativity scene.

Not comfortable, but great for protection. That’s why those who were experts in this matter, the priests, would put their newborn lambs in them for protection.

But not just any lamb, the unblemished perfect lambs that were used in the sacrifice for sins.

Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, was known for their UNBLEMISHED LAMBS used for the sacrifice.

These lambs had to be perfect, so they would wrap them tightly in cloth and lay them in the manger to keep them safe. This is exactly why the only time mangers are mentioned in Jesus’ birth story, it is being told to shepherds.

In Luke 2, it says “This will be a sign for you, you will find a baby wrapped in cloth and lying in a manger.”

The shepherds would have understood this powerful parallel! THEY KNEW what the cloth and the manger meant! This baby would be THE PERFECT LAMB OF GOD!

The Messiah who would sacrifice His life for the sins of the whole world.

He wasn’t just a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.

He was GOD: perfect, sinless, and holy, humbling Himself to become the perfect sacrifice to reconcile us back to Himself!

This, our friends, is the story of that Perfect Lamb, and is WHY we celebrate Christmas!

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head;
the stars in the heavens looked down where He lay,
the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes,
but little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
and stay by my side until morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stay
close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,
and fit us for heaven, to live with Thee there.

☆☆☆☆☆

IN GOD WE TRUST

Please and Thank You 😊

Thanks for supporting independent true journalism with a small tip. Dodie & Jack

---

Green Pasture Here!

Use Code CLEVER10 for a 10% discount on other Green Pasture products today!

about:blank

CLICK HERE for GOOD HEALTH!

GREENPASTURE.ORG

.

CINDY LEAL MASSEY, TEXAS AUTHOR

Now Available CLICK Here!