An Occupied Manger

Advent Day #11

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

There are a few references to mangers, cribs, or stalls in the Old Testament. Interestingly, two directly allude to emptiness, and one signifies the empty relationships God’s people sought outside of Him. (Proverbs 14:4; Habakkuk 3:17; and Isaiah 1:3). How appropriate then that God filled an empty manger with Himself, even though no room was made for Him in the inn. How like God to not wait for an invitation or an ideal circumstance to accomplish His plan!

The truth is that humanity attempts to fill empty hearts with everything but God. The comfortable do not need His help. The full have no room for Him. Those who are healthy do not need a physician, as Jesus told the Pharisees in Luke 5:31. Before the world even knew its desperate need, Jesus came to fill the empty places in every person’s heart. Soon, poor shepherds would be the first to find Him and recognize the extraordinary significance of His coming while those comfortable in the inn had no idea that the Messiah had just been born in a stable out back.

This season becomes a beautiful reminder of the fulfillment that can only be found in a relationship with the One who occupied the Manger that first Christmas night. If you are still tirelessly seeking something that will bring peace to your world, might I recommend the example of the shepherds as they left everything behind to “see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known to us.” He has made Himself known; He has accomplished His plan to fulfill the needs of everyone who will look to Him. Will you stay in the inn or seek Him in the stable?