From the Manger to the Tomb

Such a festive time of year – the music, the lights, the decorations – all enhance our warm, fuzzy feelings for another Christmas season. We sing, we smile, we laugh, and we cheer. Out come the lights and tinsel while cookies and candy grace the kitchen countertops.

We unpack our ceramic stable and figurines – complete with sheep and donkey, camels and shepherds. Of course, we have Joseph and Mary with baby Jesus lying in a manger. Some churches present a living nativity scene for the community. Men, women, and children play the parts, and sometimes a real baby lies in the manger. Animals are brought to stand around the manger for authenticity. All appear to be worshiping the baby in the manger.

But it makes me wonder. Only three verses in the whole Bible speak of Jesus being in a manger. Luke 2:7 tells us “And she [Mary] brought forth her firstborn son [Jesus], and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” Then we learn about the shepherds being guided to “the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” But only three verses.

Yes, Jesus was laid in a manger, so we pay close attention to that detail, but are we missing something here? Are we so focused on this minor detail that we miss the important one? First, this is a scene of humiliation because God the Son left His heavenly home to come to this earth for the salvation of mankind. Coming to earth was not a victorious feat in itself. This manger was the beginning of sorrows, for He was despised and rejected – but we focus on this detail.

How easy it is to major on a minor detail like the manger scene but miss the big picture. Is it wrong to enjoy these festivities? God says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights.” May we be thankful for our many blessings and thankful for God’s love as we feel the joy that is ours through peace with Him.

Enjoy the lights and smell the candles. Listen to the music and sing the carols. But as you look at all the beautiful Christmas trees in store windows and homes, remember the tree at Calvary where the humiliation of our Lord ended. The baby was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger, but the crucified Lord Jesus was wrapped in linen and laid in the tomb of a rich man. And then He rose to conquer death. That is why we rejoice. With that glorious truth in mind, may we all sing “Joy to the World.”