Before the Manger
Jesus was born. But before He was born… He was. Wow.
If that doesn’t make you pause and just reflect for a bit, I don’t know what will.
The nativity scene isn’t something new. We see it in movies, in plays, in the Christmas decorations we put up in the yard. But have you given it some real thought?
When we think of Jesus, it’s easy to picture His story beginning in that manger. He’s swaddled, crying, and fully dependent on His mother, Mary. Yes, this moment matters deeply, but it was not the beginning of Him. It was the beginning of God with us (Emmanuel) in a way we could literally see.
Before Mary held Him, He was already holding the universe together.
Before He took His first breath, He had breathed life into us.
Before the manger in Bethlehem, there was eternity.
Scripture tells us that Jesus is the Word. He was there at the creation, He wasn’t created.
He is fully God.
Fully eternal.
Fully aware of what it would cost Him to become flesh. And still… He came.
That’s the part that leaves me in awe … and in tears.
Jesus didn’t come because He had to. He came because He chose to. He chose humility. He chose love. He chose servitude. The King of Kings wrapped us in that blanket with Him so we could know God up close.
So now when I think about the baby in the manger, I don’t just see a beginning. I see His obedience. I see His surrender. I see His intentional and truly unconditional love for all people. I see a Savior who existed long before the world even knew His name.
And the only word of expression I can muster is … wow.
This Christmas, while you’re gathered around the tree with your family and friends, remember to give thanks to the Father for the ultimate sacrifice He made for us. For sending His one and only Son into the world. Now that’s a true Christmas gift ❤️
🤍 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” — John 1:1
✝️ Prayer
Heavenly Father, I give You praise and worship. Jesus. A name above all names (Acts 4:12). I thank You for coming into the world (John 1:14). I thank You for your gentleness and humility (Matthew 11:29). I thank You for saving me from the grave of my sins and offering me salvation (Ephesians 2:4-5). Thank You for thinking of me on that cross (Romans 5:8). Thank You for forgiving me for my part in Your pain, my sins that pierced Your hands and feet (Isaiah 53). My God. No words will ever be able to express my gratitude. You were born yet not created (John 1:1). I am forever in awe of You. Thank You for walking with us (Matthew 1:23) and allowing us to see God in the flesh (John 14:9) and inviting us into Your Kingdom (1 Thessalonians 2:12).
In Your Holy and precious name,
Amen
