
The Meaning of the Manger
Two Revelations about God:
- The manger is a demonstration of God’s
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.
Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not
looking to your own interests but each of you to the
interests of the others. In your relationships with one
another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who,
being in very nature God, did not consider equality with
God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very
nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled
himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on
a cross! Therefore, God exalted him to the highest
place and gave him the name that is above every
name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should
bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and
every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to
the glory of God the Father”. —Philippians 2:3–11 NLT
- The manger encourages us that God is not scared
of
“While we were still sinners, Christ died for
us.” —Romans 5:8 NIV
Two Responses from Us:
- The manger invites us to
“That night there were shepherds staying in the fields
nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an
angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the
radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They
were terrified, but the angel reassured them. ‘Don’t be
afraid!’ he said. ‘I bring you good news that will bring
great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah,
the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city
of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You
will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying
in a manger.’ Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast
host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God
and saying, ‘Glory to God in highest heaven, and
peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.’” —Luke 2:8–14 NLT
- The manger calls us to
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of
yourself less.” —Rick Warren, Purpose-Driven Life“A really humble man… will not be thinking about
humility: He will not be thinking about himself at all.” —C.S Lewis, Mere Christianity“For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits
eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and
holy place with him who has a contrite and humble
spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive
the heart of the contrite ones.’” —Isaiah 57:15 NKJV
Additional Notes
What most impacted me from this service?
What insight have I gained about God and His ways?
How do I apply this insight to my life?
Have questions about today’s message? Email ask@ephratacommunity.church