Luke 2:1-7 etc. A baby in a manger - who but God would ever have thought of such a way to send His Only Son into the world to reconcile it to Himself. The baby had to be human (born of a virgin) or it wouldn't be appropriate as a final sacrifice for the sin of humans. He had to be perfect and sinless, (fathered by the Holy Spirit) or it wouldn't be acceptable as a sacrifice for sin. The event was planned from before creation, so it was foretold and described by the prophets. It was illustrated with symbols, and feasts, and sacrifices. All were to make preparation for the day when God Himself would enter human history. This He did on that first Christmas day in Bethlehem, 2,000 years ago. The announcement of the angel prior to His birth, the prophecy of Simeon on the day of Jesus' circumcision, and the announcement of John the Baptist all describe Him as far more than just an ordinary Jewish boy growing up. God had been seen as the Lawgiver and the Judge, but Jesus through His teaching, His parables, and His miracles was trying to expose the heart of God. As He told His disciples, "I say and do what My Father says and does." He told Philip, He who has seen Me has seen the Father." When the centurion saw Him die on the cross he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God." On the third day following His crucifixion He rose from the dead just as He had promised. Forty days later His disciples witnessed His ascension Please read Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 1:15 20; John 1:1; Hebrews 1:3; Revelation 1:13-18; 19:11-16. Yes, Jesus was and is far more than a babe in the Bethlehem manger. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords and He's returning on a white horse. He's calling out to you and me, - "Will you ride with Him?!"

Jesus, More than A Babe in A Manger