“What are you free to stop doing and start doing when you know Jesus to be your King?”

That’s a loaded question, isn’t it? Notice how the first part of the question gives you an opportunity to make a decision for yourself–inside of being free you have the liberty of choosing to stop doing “something” and begin “doing” another thing. In the latter part of the question it allows a decision to actually “know” that Jesus is King. In there lies the rub.

A lot of people I’ve met in my life claim to know God and Jesus, but He wasn’t King of their lives. Let’s be honest, we humans don’t like being told what to do; this is an area I still struggle with in my own personality. Recognizing this character flaw is why I like Step 3 from Celebrate Recovery: “Consciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ’s care and control”. 

What about “free will”?

There is a context in which the position of free will does have biblical support: the grave responsibility of making choices. Because beneath the canopy of God’s sovereignty, man does have free will. In the beginning, God established the principle of choice by giving Adam and Eve an entire garden containing a forbidden tree—this, but not that—a thread that weaves through the tapestry of future generations into the present.

“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)

“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…” (Joshua 24:15)

“Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.” (John 7:17)

Scripture also states clearly that…

• making choices is a crucial part of our lives 
• that we will all be held accountable for the choices that we make 
• and that our choices can grieve the Lord or please Him (source crosswalk.com)

What do you need to surrender? Maybe it’s how you spend your leisure time. Do you get caught up in scrolling social media comparing your life to someone else? Is there a habit that is causing you deep heartache….visiting websites that are harmful? Pornography is an addiction, not a healthy escape. Do you unwind after a hard day from work with a few drinks? In excess, alcohol is addictive. Even stuffing your emotions with excess food–mainly sugar–is addictive. Did you know that most addictions cause the same responses in the human brain? 

Addiction is now understood to be a brain disease. Whether it’s alcohol, prescription pain pills, gambling, nicotine or something else, overcoming an addiction isn’t as simple as just stopping or exercising greater control over impulses. That’s because addiction develops when the pleasure circuits in the brain get overwhelmed, in a way that can become chronic and sometimes even permanent. This is what’s at play when you hear about reward “systems” or “pathways” and the role of dopamine when it comes to addiction. (source yalemedicine.org)

What do you need to surrender?  Maybe now is the time to take a heartfelt inventory of your life, your character flaws, evaluate what you think you know about Jesus and move towards taking a seat in the humility section of life and ask  some hard questions. Find people who have known Jesus for a long time, whose lives you watch and wonder how they are kind, loving, full of peace and joy…no matter their circumstances.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”. (Matthew 11:28)

These are the very words of Jesus. He offers an invitation to “all”. Weariness creates feeling burdened, but there is hope!  He acknowledges our struggles and pain and remedies it with “rest”…..the kind of rest that our addictions cannot give!

At Celebrate Recovery I’ve met people who have surrendered their addiction to pornography, gambling, anger, pride, alcohol and drugs, codependency….numerous habits.  As a group of flawed men and women, we are surrendering….adopting healthy habits….leaning into Jesus….and bringing the good news of Jesus to others.

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Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday at Fowlerville United Brethren in Christ Church. Meetings begin with a meal at 6 followed by large group at 7. We have several groups for men and women for a variety of recovery struggles: sexual integrity, chemical substance abuse, general issues, codependency, and *mental health (*women only at this time) All adults age 18+ are welcome! Meetings are safe & confidential. For more information please email: celebraterecovery@fowlervilleub.org

Habits. We all have some. Grabbing your first cup of coffee each morning. Looking out your window to take in the morning view, checking the weather, making breakfast, watching the clock to get showered and in the car if you have a regular job to get to on time. 

Habits are good. They keep us on an orderly schedule if followed with discipline. Some habits are not beneficial to us…sleeping in too long which causes stress getting out the door on time. Stopping for a drive through breakfast which decreases finances and increases caloric intake that maybe isn’t the healthiest option if chosen far too often. 

Personally, I no longer have a regular job outside our home that dictates my morning schedule. It’s rare that I need to be “somewhere” most mornings which allows me the luxury of waking when I’m ready, grabbing a mug of coffee that’s already been brewed, and settling in my usual chair with my Bible, notebook, and whichever devotional I’m currently using to take me through scripture. My favorite is the YouVersion app which is downloaded on my phone. 

What about “spiritual habits”?  Lent is a good time to start some good habits. Where to begin? This season is a great time to begin making prayer a daily habit. If you try structuring your life around God but don’t take the time to talk to Him, you will find it difficult to keep your desired focus on God. 

If you’re not sure where or how to begin praying, I suggest praying through the Lord’s Prayer: 

“‘Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name, 

your kingdom come,

your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from the evil one.”

These are Jesus’ own words from Matthew 6: 5-15.

Finding time to pray doesn’t not have to be cumbersome. God isn’t looking for that perfect person who is able to devote lengthy minutes or hours in solitude with Him–although there are some devout Christ followers who enjoy that luxury! No, what He truly loves is that we give Him a portion of our day talking with Him. You might do so as you shower…on your commute to work…maybe sitting alone at a table in your lunch room at work or school…going for a walk on your break. Wherever you can carve out intentional time, remember He is with you always as a constant companion, a best friend waiting for a good conversation!

May  you feel encouraged today and always that God is always waiting to draw near to you and nothing you say to Him could ever stop Him from loving you. Nothing–!

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4: 6

A trip to any store and visiting its “seasonal” aisle quickly reveals what current holiday or observance our culture is enjoying. It seems we have just put away Christmas decor, which was replaced by all things related to Valentine’s Day–cards, candy, plush toys, and more candy. As with any holiday Americans celebrate, there’s a lot of marketing preparation that takes place to lure us to spend a lot of money on only one day. Now, because February 14 is behind us, red and white hearts galore are replaced with all things spring–most of it connected to Easter which is a Christian celebration of the “Church”. Seasonal aisles will be filled with chocolate bunnies, egg coloring kits and plastic eggs, cards, baskets full of treats, plush bunnies and lambs, and don’t forget those paczkis on Fat Tuesday!…all things we associate with Spring, yet often omitting the truth of this sacred day–Jesus. Oh, before you get upset, yes–sometimes you can find a chocolate cross alongside the bunny ones. Beyond those, in American culture there’s not a lot of Jesus in the way many families observe what I like to call “Resurrection Sunday” versus Easter.

But, what about Lent? This year Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day fell on the same day, the 14th. 

You may have seen Christians, mostly Catholics, walking around with a smear of ash on their foreheads and wondered what it meant. The practice of Ash Wednesday is symbolic within the Christian church to recognize our frailty as humans. It also marks the beginning of the Lent season.Although Ash Wednesday is enriched with Christian symbolism, we don’t actually find an instance of this particular holiday in the Bible. The holiday didn’t have a biblical origin, but owing to the Council of Nicea implementing a 40-day fasting period prior to Easter, many debated as to when that period would start. In the fifth century, Pope Gregory transferred the beginning day of Lent from a Sunday to Ash Wednesday. However, fasting and prayer have strong Biblical foundations and guidelines.

The symbolism of repentance and grief continues from Ash Wednesday into the Lenten season through the observation of fasting and prayer.  The 40 days of Lent symbolize the period of fasting and spiritual preparation that Jesus underwent in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry. This time of reflection and self-denial is observed by Christians as a way to spiritually align themselves with Jesus’ journey and to prepare their hearts for Easter, the celebration of His resurrection.

The story of Jesus’ temptation is recounted in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. After being baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where He fasted for 40 days and nights. During this time, Satan tempted Him three times, each time trying to exploit His hunger and weakness. Jesus resisted each temptation by quoting Scripture and reaffirming His commitment to God. This story highlights Jesus’ victory over temptation and serves as an example of spiritual fortitude and reliance on God’s Word. (source: biblestudytools.com)

From a devotional I began on Ash Wednesday it says “The purpose of Lent isn’t to ‘better’ your life, but to center your life on what matters most: the One who made you and died for you. And one of the ways you do this is through practicing spiritual habits.”

While store aisles are filled with all things our culture deems as necessary for celebrating Easter…Resurrection Sunday … .together let’s make space for what matters. What matters? Jesus and how you respond to His gospel and plan for salvation.

Today marks a bittersweet day in our lives and family. Seven years ago we said goodbye to our beloved brother, John Kretchman. Age 54 is too young in my opinion, cancer doesn’t care. Our family is grateful John had a relationship with Christ and is enjoying eternal life. I’m quite certain he’s pretty happy and creating havoc among the Heavenly’s.

A year ago I found myself in an ER department hearing “ you’ve had a heart attack Mr Kretchman.” At that moment I felt as though I was inside a movie, that this reality was not ours. We are grateful for quick care, successful surgeries, being surrounded by our children, pastors, and friends during a week that interrupted a normal Tuesday.

Changes have been made … different things go in the grocery cart now, more physical activity has been added. Meds are a daily routine.

We aren’t superstitious people to realize the anniversary of two events with two brothers. God doesn’t move and work in those kinds of realms; He is good all the time and it’s we who live and move in His plan and purpose.

We will see John again, that gives us great joy! We will continue to live our adjusted lifestyle until our own home-going.

A

This past week brought our community a few days of school closings due to snow, ice, and temperatures. For the safety of all school employees and children, time to stay off dangerous roads was necessary. This is Michigan and nothing to be surprised at as families make adjustments for the closures. I follow many young families on social media and it’s fun to read questions and comments —”do you think there will be a snow day tomorrow?”…”I sure hope the call comes early enough to make arrangements for my kids!” 

I remember those hopeful feelings myself. As a student in the 50s through the 70s, I recall sitting perched in front of the TV with the morning news tuned in, waiting for the school closing banner at the bottom of the screen to announce Saginaw City Schools are closed due to snow! Once those magical words appeared, off went the school clothes, into play gear and calls to friends on the telephone to arrange our day outside playing in the snow!

My two older brothers were charged with clearing the driveway and sidewalks. We lived on a corner lot so our amount of sidewalk was double compared to the other houses. Once their chore was finished, they threw their shovel over a shoulder and went in search of families to help, even hoping to earn a few bucks from an elderly couple or two.

This week my husband and I were out for a couple errands on Tuesday. We passed the community park and I glanced over to take a look at the sledding hill. It was covered with beautiful white snow, but there were no children with sleds.

At the end of December our daughter and I drove to Saginaw for a bridal shower. We took the road that routed us through South Saginaw and eventually to Washington Avenue which is home to the lumber barons’ homes, the Children’s Zoo, and a beloved place from my childhood–Hoyt Park. 

Every winter the city’s recreation department flooded Hoyt Park with millions of gallons of water, creating an ice skating rink along with hockey rinks at one end. It cost us nothing to skate or use toboggan runs at Hoyt. All we needed was warm clothes, skates, a sled and a few friends to enjoy a full day of outdoor fun. When our hands, feet and faces got too cold, we could sit inside the “warming house” until we thawed, returning to the cold for another round of winter play. I remember some days on the weekends when our dad stayed to sled or skate with us. Other times, our parents thought nothing of dropping us off at the curb with instructions on what time to be ready for pickup. Our only supervision for the day was under cold gray or sunny skies and following the rules of one or two city employees “manning” the warming house.

Seeing the empty sledding hill at the park caused me feelings of sadness. First, I recognized the contrast between how I couldn’t wait to get outside on a snow day to some kids today. Over the years I’ve noticed fewer and fewer children at our parks. I have my own thoughts as to why but that’s not the purpose of my topic this week. I’m willing to bet, however, that current technology and trust levels of parents are playing a large role in keeping today’s children inside warm homes. I understand concerns for safety and protection.

As sad as I feel, looking at empty parks, I am very thankful for my childhood years that included cold wintry seasons. Deep snowfalls allowed us to build snow forts, form an organized snowball fight in our neighborhood, find creative ways to keep snow from going into our boots as we trudged through drifts, catching a snowflake on our tongue and seeing how long we could withstand the cold before returning home, hoping mom had hot chocolate ready and rubbing cold red hands between hers to speed up the thawing process that mittens didn’t fully protect from hours of packing and piling snow.

I hung up my ice skates years ago. Sledding isn’t the best thing for me at my current age, but I still find ways to enjoy being outside after a good snow storm. Where we live I can walk on a road that takes me back to a wooded area where I can stand in the quiet cold air and breathe in its freshness. I am able to marvel at how snow makes different patterns on tree trunks and reveals numerous tracks from a variety of animals that live in the woods. 

I’m still careful how deep the snow is before taking steps into a drift. Warm mittens still adorn my aged hands. When I return home it’s “me” who makes the hot chocolate or tea…reminiscing and missing my mother’s warm hands rubbing cold little fingers as she assured me “you’ll warm up soon”…knowing at that age nothing could stop me from enjoying another chance to be outside with my friends to find ways to use a cold wintry day to our delight….and still acknowledging that though I may have some physical limitations now, I can still find joy on a beautiful snowy day.

I can still catch snowflakes on my tongue. And–admittedly–I can still make a snow angel. They always look pretty even if the “getting back up” isn’t very attractive! We still build snowmen when the snow is “just right”. 

A view of Hoyt Park from 2013, showing

 the newly remodeled warming house.

 Credit: mlive.com

Recently I posted on one of my social media accounts that I was thrilled we had finally received a significant amount of snow. Unsurprised, I read numerous comments that agreed with me as well as those who accused me of being crazy (in good natured teasing). Last week I wrote about snow, using scripture as word pictures how God describes our sins when they are removed. This week, I took a look at the practical side of why it’s important for us to have snow covered ground during the winter months. From the site almanac.com this is what they have published:

• Both rain and snow contain nitrogen that plants need, but snow by its nature provides a better delivery method. Nitrogen attaches to snowflakes as the snow falls through the atmosphere. In addition, nutrients are slowly released into the soil as the snow melts. This is especially effective early in the spring when the ground is thawed, allowing nature to provide a gentle fertilizer boost to plants! 
• Snow is mostly air surrounded by a little frozen water, and despite how cold it feels to the skin, it is an excellent insulator of the soil and plant roots. 
• Snow protects against wide temperature fluctuations in the soil. Under that cozy comforter of white, the roots of perennials, bulbs, ground covers, and strawberry plants are protected from the freeze-thaw cycle that can heave tender roots right out of the ground. Without snow, milder temperatures and the sun could warm the soil surface, leading to damage from soil heaving, which can break roots and dry out plant parts.
• Snow is winter mulch
• If you didn’t get around to mulching your garden this past fall, a nice blanket of snow can serve the same purpose! Never remove snow from your yard—it’s Mother Nature at work. Snow cover is valuable winter protection for your expensive trees and shrubs.

Once again, science and the divine meet in agreement with these words from the prophet Isaiah. “The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry.” (Isaiah 55: 10)

In addition, how many of us can deny we weren’t excited for a “snow day” when we were attending school? And, why as adults do we still enjoy these unexpected days of rest? Personally, I’ve asked myself that very question–”Sue, why do you “love” being snowed in?” So, I typed that question in my search engine. Lo and behold I found a wonderful quote by Helena Fitzgerald! “For adults, snow days feel like divine permission to rest” and “unexpected time off after a snowfall feels like a gift because it removes the pressure to be productive”.

As someone who considers herself to be a life-long learner, I’m very pleased to have science teach me about the practical benefits of snow along with the affirmation that a beautiful blanket of knee deep snow causes my heart to jump with joy! Yes, I also acknowledge  there will always be folks in my circle of friendship who may scoff at my unabashed love for snow. My response to them and anyone mumbling against its beauty is simply the words from Psalm 118: 24 “This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

The next time you’re home under a big snow storm, rest. Take a much needed break from daily demands. Read a book. Watch a good movie. This spring and summer, when it’s planting time, thank God for the free fertilizer He poured out on your garden soil and flower beds. And, if an attitude adjustment is necessary–rejoice!  “A happy heart is good medicine, but a broken heart dries up the bones.”  (Proverbs 17: 22)

SNOW, OCEANS, EAST & WEST–SIN?

In my column I wrote last week, January 1, I described my love for snow which included a lament that we have not enjoyed a significant pile of it in our area–yet!! Hope beyond hope resides in my mind that we will get one “big” snowfall before we begin thinking about all things spring. 

I even gave a little bit of science behind how snowflakes are formed and how they are unique in nature. This week, I am expanding on another aspect of snow and science, how both show up in scripture as teaching points for us.

A good place to begin is recognizing that according to God, every person on earth past, present, or future is classified as a sinner.  Paul said it this way: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) Paul did not say “some people” or “certain people” or “only this type of person”. He said ALL. That’s you. It’s me. Therefore, no one escapes this truth. 

 How do we define sin? Paul gives us a short list in 1 Corinthians 6: 10-11: “Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.  And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

Because God is loving, desiring that not one person be eternally separated from Him, He provided a way for redemption from our sins. Furthermore, once we are in a relationship with Him and confess with repentance He makes more promises how sins are dealt with: “ As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12

“God casts (hurls) our sins into the sea, where they sink like a stone. Such an act of grace caused Micah to ask, “Who is a God like you …?” (Mic. 7:18).

The amazing thing about scripture is how science backs up what the ancient authors wrote. Did you know that east and west never meet? And, While we’ve made incredible strides in exploring and understanding the ocean, the bottom of the ocean remains one of Earth’s last frontiers. The extreme conditions of crushing pressure, darkness, and frigid temperatures present formidable challenges that we’re only beginning to overcome. (source oceanexplorer.noaa & quora.com) 

Do you think that it’s a coincidence that once sins are forgiven God has no further use for them? I’m inclined to believe there’s a good reason for making them irretrievable.

Also of great comfort is how God takes a person’s sinful nature and transforms it to becoming a new creation. Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord taught of the power of the Savior’s Atonement. “Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18.

Maybe you don’t like snow. Many people don’t because of the cold weather. Or the thought of driving to work and errands makes you apprehensive when it’s knee deep after a good storm. Regardless of how you feel about snow, it’s my hope that as you consider how the early biblical authors used visions of white snow and the perilous depths of oceans to illustrate how God deals with our sins, will cause you to pause. Take a deep breath. Lay aside any preconceived ideas you’ve had or still wrestle with in your mind. Surrender any pride and come to a place of humility recognizing that in the small word “all”….a three letter word that encompasses EVERY human being from the time of creation into our present and future..is included in that total. Maybe you need to read Paul’s list of sins again. They aren’t comfortable words by any means.  Some are sins we don’t talk alot about with our friends and family. Nonetheless, they are recorded for us to read, acknowledge, and make a decision to remain part of their sinful nature or embrace the promise in Paul’s encouraging words of verse 11: “But you WERE washed, you WERE sanctified, you WERE justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”  Take note, however, you cannot be washed, sanctified, or justified without FIRST coming into a relationship with Christ which is your personal decision by responding to the message of the gospel. 

Until our sins are forgiven, they hang like filthy rags adorning our body. Once confessed, they disappear east and west…become.buried in an ocean’s depth where no man can retrieve.  Even God Himself will not need to go searching for them. He’s that good, that loving. He is for you and not against you. He has provided a way out from the burden of a sinful nature. That way is Jesus.

If you enjoy music, look for the recording by Ann Wilson “My Jesus”. You’ll be blessed. 

Anyone who knows me well can tell you how much I really like snow. I’m not certain why these beautiful frozen crystals intrigue me, but they do. I am amazed how millions of water droplets falling from clouds turn into either a light dusting on the earth below or a winter blizzard that brings a halt to everyday life.

Each flake we see during a snowfall has begun with a tiny droplet of cold water attaching itself to a dust particle or a dot of pollen as it makes its journey. The flake will form six sides to its shape, not four and not seven–six–every single one. And, depending on the temperature and humidity of the day, the final snowflake from origin to landing may alter. That’s pretty cool! (no pun intended)

Snowflakes are not the only original creation to marvel. You and I are unique creations, too. Just as science can reveal mysteries behind a snowflake’s formation and ultimate pattern, God’s Word illuminates the wonder and awe of how each human is created and formed. We find a beautiful description in Psalm 139: 13-16:

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (New International Version)

There you have it! If you’ve ever wondered, God created you. He knit you together. He made you. You were not unhidden from Him. He wove you. He saw you before you were formed, while in the process of growing in the womb, and life was mapped out for you ahead of your arrival outside the womb.

You are you and no one else is identical to you. Even identical twins, though formed from one egg, have slightly different DNA. THESE facts alone cause me to truly pause and take in how unique and magnificent our Creator is as the one who formed the earth, spoke into existence all that we can see, touch, and smell….and made male and females in His image to enjoy all of creation…and above all to take pleasure in having fellowship with Him.

Knowing that no two snowflakes or no two humans are exactly alike is proof enough for me that each one of us matters to God! I didn’t grow up reading the Bible like I do now, so as a young adult when I FIRST stumbled upon hearing someone read the above verses from Psalm 139 I was blown away! My hope and prayer for anyone reading my words today will be encouraged, intrigued, and assured that your life has purpose, and no matter the number of days “ordained” for you by God, you have importance and value.

Snowflakes hit the ground and eventually melt into the earth. You were born into a world created by an awesome God and one day you will return to the earth, too. In the meantime, what will you pursue? How will you enjoy the beautiful gift of life that you’ve been given?

I plan to dig deeper to know God more intimately, and, if we ever get a good snow storm I will reflect on my own uniqueness and purpose as I live out “all the days ordained for me”.

We have arrived at the end of our advent destination! With the lighting of the fourth candle on advent wreaths, we celebrate the concept of “love”. Some churches will add in a fifth candle as well, but our focus is on the depth of God’s love for mankind, a measure of love that remains inconceivable to the human mind, yet understood by embracing humility and surrender to His sovereignty. 

The flame burning on the fourth purple candle also draws us in to ponder and embrace that through the sacrifice of Christ’s life all who put their trust and faith in Him will enjoy eternity with God forever.

Four unique forms of love are found in Scripture. They are communicated through four Greek words (Eros, Storge, Philia, and Agape) and are characterized by romantic love, family love, brotherly love, and God’s divine love. In our English language, we often use the word “love” describing our feelings for a  variety of reasons…I love my family. I love being outside. I love a good meal. I love a good cup of hot coffee. Not so with God. His definition of loving us far exceeds reducing it to comparisons we make in our own minds.

This depth of love that God has for us is personified in His Son Jesus. Prophecy foretold of the birth for hundreds of years until the time came for a virgin to conceive and bring forth God’s one and only son. He was born in Bethlehem (Bet Lehem in Hebrew) which means “House of Bread”. Is it any coincidence that in ministry 30 some years later Jesus would refer to Himself as “the bread of life”?

Jesus’ birth was also one of great humility and commonplace circumstances. Joseph and Mary had traveled to Bethlehem to be counted in a census, thus returning to their hometown to register as direct descendents of David. Normally, they would have stayed with relatives but because homes were filling up with other families, they found lodging in a stable housing  animals. Time came for the birth of the Christchild and His mother laid Him in a manger which was literally an open box for fodder for stable animals. Mary also wrapped Him in swaddling cloths which was customary for new mothers to do with their newborns. These clothes consisted of strips of cloth tied together  to be wrapped around an individual much like binding a wound in a gauze bandage. Indeed, the Hebrew word, of which “swaddling” is the English translation, denotes clothes used in the binding of broken limbs (Ezekiel 30:21).

Also,  the significance of swaddling clothes was that EVERY Passover lamb was wrapped in swaddling cloths when born. Jesus was the ultimate Passover lamb. (1Cor. 5:7) Passover lambs as well as any lamb sacrificed at the temple had certain criteria to be met… they had to be certified.

This baby that Christians celebrate all over the world at Christmas was no ordinary child. From the beginning of time beyond human comprehension, God had in mind a need for man’s redemption from sin and darkness. This tiny baby Jesus–wrapped in swaddling cloths–would one day be bound with chains when arrested by the chief priests and turned over to Pilate. Chains were ultimately replaced with burial cloths, strips of linen. (Matthew 27: 1-2; 11-26) From swaddling clothes to chains, to burial cloths, lying on cold hard stone,  the body of Jesus was kept safe and secure for His ultimate purpose in leaving heaven and coming to earth–to love us and prepare us for eternal life. 

This Christmas, when you sing “Away in a Manger”, my prayer is that you can see the baby lying in a cold, stone trough…..I pray that as you imagine his tiny body being wrapped in swaddling cloths, that you connect with a mother’s tender love for a baby entrusted to her by her own heavenly father, that you realize a small innocent baby’s body will grow in maturity to that of a thirty year old man who will be bruised and broken for mankind. He will leave an empty manger behind. He will also leave an empty tomb behind because He IS the bread of life, He is the Light of the Word, and He is the literal personification of love!

Merry Christmas!