Soft and quiet, nine months in the womb, infinite born to bring infinite grace to the finite. Joy split the sky open as angels sang of amazing grace-filled glory. God’s love moved to allow man to move into God’s love. The Good News from heaven bringing good news to all mankind.

A babe in swaddling clothes, divine in humanity to grant humanity access to the divine. The cry of The Word became flesh. Tiny hands that once held the universe, earth-bound to dwell among men. His birth birthing eternal life. Hope in humanity bringing hope to all humanity. Jesus, Immanuel, God with us, to bring God to us.

The manger built by a carpenter to hold the carpenter’s son, cradles the cradle of life. A feeding trough for those who are hungry holds the bread of life for hungry souls. The manger, an ark to carry The One who will carry us through the rough waters of life.

The shepherds hurried to the manger to see The One spoken of by the angels.

The Wise Men traveled far to worship and bring gifts to the long-awaited Messiah.

No matter how long you’ve waited, come.

No matter how long it’s taken, come.

Come to the manger. Come to the Messiah.

Bring yourself, your gifts, and your worship. Whatever you’ve been through, whatever you face, whatever your heartache and pain, bring to the manger. For the manger is new life, hope, joy, and new beginnings.

Whatever is in your heart, bring to The One who made your heart. Lay down every burden, for God’s love waits in the manger.

Will you come?

The Messiah, the Savior in the manger, moves into your heart so you are never alone, never forsaken, never without hope, never without joy, never without peace, never without life eternal.

Please come…

Mary “gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.’ When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, ‘Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.” ~ Luke 2:7-16 (NASB)

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” ~ John 3:16 (NASB)

From Present in His Presence by Lisa Buffaloe