Be the Manger
A manger must be available, receptive, empty, waiting, and patient. Most of all a manger fulfills its tasks in humility, going unnoticed.
To become the manger I need to transform. I need to change what I look and act like, giving up part of myself to receive Jesus. It may hurt to let go or lose what I’m holding on to. I’ll need some extra help and grace.
The important part about being the manger that receives Jesus is that it be empty. A filled manger is useless.
A manger for a newborn should be clean, free of any kind of sinfulness.
It’s important too that the manger be soft and warm so Jesus can rest comfortably there. No hardness of heart or mind can offer that.
A manger needs to be stable and balanced so as to contain the Lord safely. It must be steadfast and never allow harm to come to Jesus or to anyone who represents Him.
Lastly it needs to be filled with softness and warmth, which are our acts of self-denial and good deeds. Fill your manger every day if you can with an act of selflessness or generosity to others.
When Christmas Eve comes make of yourself an invitation to God: “Come, dwell here!” Then wait. He will surely come.
To become the manger I need to transform. I need to change what I look and act like, giving up part of myself to receive Jesus. It may hurt to let go or lose what I’m holding on to. I’ll need some extra help and grace.
The important part about being the manger that receives Jesus is that it be empty. A filled manger is useless.
A manger for a newborn should be clean, free of any kind of sinfulness.
It’s important too that the manger be soft and warm so Jesus can rest comfortably there. No hardness of heart or mind can offer that.
A manger needs to be stable and balanced so as to contain the Lord safely. It must be steadfast and never allow harm to come to Jesus or to anyone who represents Him.
Lastly it needs to be filled with softness and warmth, which are our acts of self-denial and good deeds. Fill your manger every day if you can with an act of selflessness or generosity to others.
When Christmas Eve comes make of yourself an invitation to God: “Come, dwell here!” Then wait. He will surely come.
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