The Profound Significance of the Manger: A Symbol of God's Love and Redemption

The Inexhaustible Meaning of the Manger

As a believer in Jesus, I have experienced 65 Advent seasons and have had the opportunity to preach during half of them. That means I have delivered approximately 150 messages during Advent, including Christmas sermons. Despite the number of times I have approached this season, I have never found myself lacking fresh insights or ideas. Advent is a well that never runs dry, and its significance expands as we delve deeper into its meaning. It reaches back into eternity, forward into the future, and encompasses the depths of mystery and the heights of glory.

Royalty in a Humble Trough

In the New Testament, Luke is the only writer to use the word "manger." This humble feeding trough holds within it a profound message that can make our hearts leap for joy. When we explore the significance of the manger, we discover the presence of royalty in the most unexpected place.

The manger symbolizes Jesus' humble arrival into the world, born in a stable and laid in a feeding trough. It is a powerful reminder that God chose to enter the world as a vulnerable baby, identifying with our humanity in the most intimate way. This act of humility reflects the heart of God and His desire to draw near to us in our brokenness.

The manger also points us to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. In Micah 5:2, it is foretold that the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem, the city of David. This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus' birth, as Joseph and Mary journey to Bethlehem and find no room in the inn. The manger becomes the birthplace of the long-awaited Messiah, the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.

The significance of the manger extends beyond Jesus' birth. It foreshadows His ultimate purpose in coming to earth. The feeding trough hints at Jesus' role as the bread of life. In John 6:35, Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst." Just as the manger held the physical sustenance for animals, Jesus offers Himself as the spiritual sustenance for all who believe in Him.

The Manger as a Symbol of God's Love

The manger is a powerful symbol of God's love for humanity. It represents His willingness to enter our world, to experience our joys and sorrows, and to ultimately sacrifice Himself for our redemption. The manger reminds us that God's love knows no bounds and that He is willing to go to great lengths to save us.

The manger also challenges us to embrace humility and simplicity. Jesus, the King of kings, chose to be born in the most humble circumstances. This challenges our worldly notions of success and power. It reminds us that true greatness is found in serving others and aligning our lives with the example set by Jesus.

As we reflect on the manger, we are invited to respond with awe and gratitude. We are reminded of the incredible gift of salvation that God has given us through His Son. The manger invites us to receive Jesus into our lives, to allow Him to transform us from within, and to experience the abundant life He offers.

The Eternal Significance of the Manger

The manger holds eternal significance. It is not just a historical event to be remembered, but a truth to be experienced and lived out. The manger reminds us that Jesus' birth was the beginning of God's plan for redemption. It points us to the cross, where Jesus would ultimately lay down His life for the forgiveness of our sins.

The manger also points us to Jesus' second coming. Just as Jesus came humbly in a manger, He will return in glory as the victorious King. The manger reminds us to anticipate His second coming with hope and readiness, knowing that He will establish His kingdom and bring about the full restoration of all things.

In conclusion, the manger holds a depth of meaning that is timeless and relevant, even in the year 2023 and beyond. It speaks of God's love, humility, and redemption. It invites us to embrace Jesus as the bread of life and to respond with awe and gratitude. It points us to the cross and reminds us of Jesus' second coming. The manger is a symbol of hope and a reminder of the eternal significance of Jesus' birth. May we approach this Advent season with hearts open to the profound message that the manger offers.