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by Cheriyan Vengal, Toronto, Canada
"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger;" (Luke 2:7)
Are you ready to be laid in the manger?
Before taking a decision, let's see what is a manger and what is the importance of being laid in that. Manger is a trough or box of carved stone or wood construction used to hold food for animals. The word comes from the French manger (meaning "to eat"), from Latin manducare (meaning "to chew" or "to drink").
As Luke 2:7 says, baby Jesus was laid in the manger. It's clear from the above definitions that, what ever laid in the manger is meant for eating, chewing or drinking. Was it a coincidence that Jesus later on gave his body and blood to the mankind to eat and drink ? I think it's a great message from God to remind us the theory of share and care in each Christmas. Jesus sacrificed himself to save the sinners, otherwise He became the food for the humans to save them. Luke 22 and 1 Corinthians 11 says "eat, this is my body, which is broken for you.. this cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you."
There are a lot of people around us who are without
food, shelter, clothes, and many other necessities. Are you ready to be laid in
the manger so that the needy can share your food, shelter, clothes etc. Jesus
sacrificed himself; are we ready to sacrifice at least a part of our luxuries to
fulfill the necessities of the needy, or you continue to be a 'dog in a manger'?
["dog in a manger" is a derogatory term referring to someone who keeps others
from having or enjoying something that he himself does not want or cannot use]
Dear brothers and sisters, try to be laid in the manger by God in this Christmas, so that you will be a help to the needy in the New Year.
Wish you all a blessed New Year with the spirit of Christmas. I am sure you are ready to be laid in the manger by God.
See Also:
Christmas Home | Sermons Home | General Sermons and Essays | Articles Home | Library - Home
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