Luke 2:4-12  So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

Imagine with me for a moment you are a manger: a feeding trough for animals, filled with dried grass: hay. Every day the animals: cows, donkeys, mules, a lamb or two, all eat from you and every evening you are cleaned out and filled with fresh hay for tomorrow.  In fact this is what you were designed to do and so it appears you are fulfilling your destiny.  This goes on for years and life has fallen into a routine.

Imagine your shock when one evening when all had quieted down after the end of a long day, the inn owner comes in hurriedly with some people: a man and a strange-looking lady with her belly protruding.  After what seems like hours of strange noises and crying, a shout of laughter comes from the man as he approaches you with added hay.  “What is going on and why are they putting more hay in me?  I am perfect the way I am for the job I was created to do”. These are some of your manger thoughts as you watch the audacious man rearrange your hay and put padded cloths on your hay. 

The night became unforgettable as you watched the lady coming over to you with a baby wrapped in strips of cloth. Where did this baby come from?  This baby was not here before.  Looking tired and beaten out but with a smile on her face she placed the baby in you.  Instantly the joy that you felt was indescribable as unusual things started happening.  Every fiber of the wood that made you seem to come alive with excitement.  Somehow when this special child touched you, it had the familiarity of your pre-manger days when the tree was alive and growing.  While this was happening shepherds came with shining eyes to see the baby, jumping up and down saying ‘A true, a true’, and then telling the story of the angels in heaven singing “Glory in the highest”.  Later on three wise men came from a far following the biggest brightest star which stopped overhead. Of course their animals had to eat from another manger as I was much better occupied.  They worshipped him, leaving lots of presents.     Sometime later Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus, for that was their names, left the stable and me behind. I was sad to see them go.   But the baby made me know that my real purpose all long was not a feeding trough for animals but He had to make sure that I would be in the right place to be His crib when He needed me.

So I want to tell ALL my friends out there that though you feel trapped in the daily routine and nothing appears to be changing, don’t give up.  Jesus is here today to rearrange and transform you from your routine deadness to abundant, everlasting life.   Listen carefully don’t you hear the knock on your heart’s door as He seeks to come in.  Let Him in, you will never be the same again.

 PRAYER

Lord I am tired of my routine. I am so drained and empty. Please come into my situation and rearrange me and transform me so that I can fulfill the real destiny that you have planned for me no matter how long or short it is.  Forgive me for complaining.  Come into my heart Lord Jesus as I swing my heart’s door wide open for you.   Amen