The Manger Experience

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.

 5)     Confident Worship.  Glorifying and praising God.  Although unlearned men, they could not contain themselves after having the privilege of experiencing God incarnate.

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?