T'WAS A MANGER- FIT FOR A KING

by Charles Robey
(Trussville AL)

T'was in a manger the little baby lay
All snuggled up in the newly cut hay
A common birth for a common man
All in accord to His Father's big plan
His coming announced from the sky
As angels sang their sweet lullaby
Shepherds yielded to Heavens light
To the city they did take their flight
Wise men would soon come from afar
Just to follow Heavens unknown star
The ruler tried to take the gospel away
Like a rock the gospel is here to stay
Why in a stable not a palace of gold
Simply put it was the gospel foretold
Rich and poor would worship the King
Glad hearts and presents they did bring
Come lets us all sing as when it all began
Glory in the highest and peace among man

The Christmas story is a simply one, but oh how powerful (Isaiah 9:6). It is the true gospel (1 Cor 15:1-4).The story of an inn, a pregnant virgin, a stable, a manger, a star and a king. It’s a story that never grows old that our heavenly Father, God, with a very creative mind and loving heart planned thousands of years ago when things didn’t work out in the garden (Genesis 3:15). It’s an unlikely story with humble beginnings, and what seemed like a sad ending instead ended miraculously( John 1:14).

But why the stable, why the manger? Why not a fine Jewish castle ? Instead of announcing this birth of our King, to the prominent Jews and politicians, the angels simply proclaimed it to a few lowly shepherds. These shepherds apparently did not make much money. They were surely not fancy dressers and were not a part of societies menu. Yet, the first to hear the good news of the gospel. You see, titles, degrees, financial status, none of these impress God. Only what is truly in our hearts, pleases Him ( Philippians 1:21).

Throughout the Christmas season, let us recall God’s love in our heart, as God's peace is offered to all of us (John 3:16). Although, the Christmas story entails a quiet birth in a little town, on the margins of an indifferent empire, Christmas has carried the message that God is with us–and, because He’s with us, we can always live in hope (Deuteronomy 31:6).