away in a manger

  "... and she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son.  She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."  Luke 2:7

No room for them in the inn... so where can we find Him? Where is the manger?

For more years than i can remember, my Aunt Mary and Uncle Lynwood placed the nativity scene in their gazebo. It was a community tradition that drew family, friends, and strangers by their home each CHRISTmas.  With my Aunt making a heavenly reunion with my uncle this year, it was a joyous sight for all that my cousins continued the tradition.  The manger scene returned to Forest Road in Oxford, but more importantly we are assured the message and meaning of the manger is for eternity.

  

Wherever it is, the manger scene sings of love, joy, peace, forgiveness, kindness, Truth, hope, fulfillment.  

Yet, we can easily lose our focus by allowing our preparations and expectations of CHRISTmas crowd out what is most important.  The distraction can set us up for frustration, sadness, exhaustion and disappointment. What all we add to CHRISTmas has the potential to rip away our JOY.

Lord, may it not be.  I want to be where You are; i want to meet You at the manger first. There is nothing we can do or say to compare to the glorious gift of eternal life -- made possible only by the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus, for the forgiveness of our sins. Thank You.

Let's keep room in our hearts for Him each day and be filled with His Peace.

Merry CHRISTmas.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it, 
veneal