The Manger

The word “manger” is mentioned three times in Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus. (Luke 2:7, 12, 16). In Luke 2:12 it says it is a sign!

“And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." - Luke 2:12

According to Thayer’s Lexicon, the word "manger" is compared to “crib.” "Crib" is found in Isaiah 1:3. 

"Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider." - Isaiah 1:2-3 

God gave Isaiah a vision of His coming. While the ox and donkey recognize their master, Israel would not recognize their God that cared for them. The manger was a sign.

"He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” - John 1:12

Rebellion brings spiritual blindness. Israel would not recognize their God had come to bring them salvation.

God came in the form of man so that He could shed sinless blood for our redemption. He came to pay the price that only He could pay – sinless blood.

When we receive Jesus, believing that He is God - Creator and Savior – we are able to be born again of water and of the Spirit.  (John 8:24 – I AM). By the blood of Jesus applied by His name in water baptism, our sins are forgiven. (Matthew 26:28, Luke 24:47, In Jerusalem Acts 2:38, Acts 10:43). By the power of His Holy Ghost, we are able to get and keep victory over sin. (Acts 1:8).

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." - John 1:13 

How do we receive Jesus into our life?

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38