What is it you think of when it comes to the manger of
Bethlehem? Probably the most common
thought is of the birth of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. We usually don’t think about the fact that
the manger was dirty, dusty, and quite pungent with the smells of the barn animals
it contained. Mary and Joseph
experienced all the sights, sounds, as well as the smells of the manger. In addition to Mary and Joseph, the shepherds had
a manger experience. Scripture tells us,
“They hurried
to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying
in the manger. After seeing him,
the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said
to them about this child. All who heard
the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her
heart and thought about them often. The
shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all
they had heard and seen. It was just as
the angel had told them” (Luke 2:16-20). Notice these things:1) Urgent Action. They hurried. They quickly obeyed the word of the angel and the company of heavenly hosts who told them of the Lord’s birth.
2)
Amazing
Discovery. And found. Their search was richly rewarded as
they sought and found the Christ-Child in the manger.
3)
Expectant
Observation. Seeing him. Reality set in when they came to the
manger and actually saw Jesus, just as they were told by the angel.
4) Immediate Proclamation. Told everyone. In spite of their lowly, often despised job, these men of action quickly shared the good news with others.
Don’t go through the Christmas season without having a
manger experience. You may not
experience the smells, but you can certainly see Jesus, tell others about him,
and spend time worshipping Him. The Old
Testament prophet said, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your
heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). “Seeing Him” was not only an event for the
shepherds, but the manger experience can be your experience. Have you had the manger experience yet?
