Considering the Benefits of the Manger

Considering The Benefits of the Manger

Jesus’ debut on earth began simply. The Bible never references his birth occurring in a barn
but what it does say is that Jesus was laid in a manger, which would have been an animals
food crib. It is entirely possible that Mary and Joseph were staying with relatives but
because of the census all of Joseph’s family homes may have been fully occupied. The
young couple could have stayed outside the home of a family member in an attached room
that was used for animals. The suggestion that Jesus was born in a barn is likely Westernized story- lore passed down through story telling. What scripture does tell us is that Jesus was wrapped in rags, placed in an animal’s food crib and visited by angels, shepherds and magi. 

In 2 Corinthians 8:9, scripture says that, “through the grace of Jesus He was once rich but became poor for your sake so that you through His poverty could become rich”. The riches He abandoned were the riches of glory and grace. He who was once rich in grace became poor and unfavored for our sake so that through His unfavorable position He could impart His grace to us. Jesus came to earth to leave deposits from God for humanity. The only requirement for us is to accept all the goodness and riches that God sent through Jesus. Breaking agreements with the enemy and strong-holds in our lives allows us to understand how God sees His children and not how the enemy wants us to see ourselves. We are greatly loved and His favor has been passed on to us. The simple manger was the beginning of our abundant life.

Questions for you:

What are the lies that the enemy wants you to believe about yourself? 
Ask the Holy Spirit to speak God’s truth into your heart about who you really are.
God’s Word validates the truth of who you are in Christ.


There is so much that God wants for you! The riches of His grace and goodness are free for you. Be careful not to interpret God’s discipline as anger. He loves those He disciplines. He knows your potential and has great purpose for you. Let the Holy Spirit lead you into all truth.