She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger ... – Luke 2:7

I've heard sermons that challenged me with the question of whether I have more room in my heart for Jesus than the couple who kept the Bethlehem inn. But Scripture never even mentions an innkeeping husband and wife. Frankly, I suspect that the offer of the stable was born not of callousness but of kindness. Perhaps the innkeeper thought that putting a pregnant woman in his barn was better than leaving her to give birth somewhere outside.
Luke doesn't mention an innkeeper or even a stable. But he does mention a manger-three times (Luke 2:7, 12, 16). The manger matters. Why?
The key is found in Isaiah 1:3: "The ox knows his master, the donkey his owner's manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand." Isaiah complained that God's people were less aware of their true owner than farm animals who recognized the farmer as he came to pile hay in their manger for their next meal.
But Israel's ignorance was about to change. At the birth of Christ, shepherds came and discovered the true manger of their Lord. They gathered before the one who was the true bread from heaven-the one who would feed all who hunger and thirst for righteousness.
Do you have a deep soul hunger today? Have you come to the manger, where your hunger can be met?

REFLECTION

Where do you turn when feeling that deep soul hunger? Upon what do you feed that hunger?

Prayer

Lord, we have hungers that our own efforts cannot satisfy. Who can feed us but Christ? In worship, may we find our deepest aches and hungers met. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

PRAYER REQUESTS FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 11TH, 2011

FOR THOSE IN NEED OF THE LORD’S HEALING

David C. Mehl: [son of David and Diane] undergoing treatment for the recurrence of his cancer.

Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord, to him who rides across the highest heavens, the ancient heavens, who thunders with mighty voice. Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the heavens. You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God! – Psalm 68:32-35

All For Jesus
Paul Nickel
Director of Christian Education
Our Savior Lutheran Church