Page 20 - 2018 AdventDevo-Flip book

Tuesday, December 11
Laid in a Manger
“She gave birth to her first child, a son.
She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger….”

Scripture: Isaiah 11: 1-6, Luke 2: 6-7

When Jesus was born among the animals and laid in a feed trough, or
manger, I wonder what Mary and Joseph were thinking in regard to His
future. I am sure that they were hoping that their son would do good
things that would help and care for others. I’m sure they wanted Him to
grow into a young man of character and honor.

Their son, a tiny vulnerable baby, would break the mold when it came to
caring for others. He went above and beyond and demonstrated a love
that the world had never known before. He healed the blind. He reached
out to the marginalized. He preached a message that uplifted the lowest
of society. He died that people might experience forgiveness for the sin
in their lives and so that they could know the mighty power of God’s
love.

As we enter this Advent season this year, may we again examine the life
of Jesus, what He did, and who He was. Let us remember Jesus, the son
of God, who came to this earth as a little baby, just like us.

After all these years, it is still hard for me to explain this impossible truth.
I am grateful that with each Christmas I have new opportunities to share
with my family and friends what this truth means to me.

How will you share this truth during Advent and the Christmas season?

Vickie Doyle, Parish Visitor

Prayer: Gracious God, I pray that I may better reflect your hope, your
love, and your grace to those around me. Let Christ be born anew in me
today.