Luke 2:7 says, "And she brought forth a firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."
Jesus came into the world, and basically he was wrapped in rags! He was wrapped in rags so that we could have his glorious royal robes, His robes of righteousness. He was placed in a manger. That's a feeding trough. He was placed in a manager of humility that we might forever feed on Him, the bread of life! Although hidden from the glory, from the pomp and circumstance of royalty, He was the best gift the world has ever received. What a glorious gift we have been given!
"The King of glory stooped low to take humanity. Rude and forbidding were His earthly surroundings. His glory was veiled, that the majesty of His outward form might not become an object of attraction. He shunned all outward display. Riches, worldly honor, and human greatness can never save a soul from death; Jesus purposed that no attraction of an earthly nature should call men to His side. Only the beauty of heavenly truth must draw those who would follow Him. The character of the Messiah had long been foretold in prophecy, and He desired men to accept Him upon the testimony of the word of God." (Called to Stand Apart, p. 5)I love the passages a few verses later that talk about the angels visit to the shepherds. At first the glory was veiled, but then it burst forth with brilliance as they together praised God. "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosting praising God and saying, Glory to God int he highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:13-14) Regarding this glorious appearing, Ellen White writes the following encouraging thoughts that bring great joy to my heart today:
"Heaven and earth are no wider apart today than when shepherds listened to the angels’ song. Humanity is still as much the object of heaven’s solicitude as when common men of common occupations met angels at noonday, and talked with the heavenly messengers in the vineyards and the fields. To us in the common walks of life, heaven may be very near. Angels from the courts above will attend the steps of those who come and go at God’s command." (Desire of Ages, p. 48)Rejoicing in the great gift we've been given today!
Tomorrow's Reading: Ezra 3-4 and Luke 3
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