“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”  (Luke 2:7) 

Four days ago I finally completed our Nativity and set it up on the front lawn.  I found myself focused on the manger and suddenly thoughts of that VISA commercial came to mind.  In the commercial, the term “priceless” was emphasized.  A dollar value was given to things, except for the experience being enjoyed, it was “priceless”.  As my awareness shifted back to the manger with child, I rejoiced at how glorious a moment it represented.  Like the commercial, the manger represents a “priceless” experience.  However, the experience was a divine unprecedented one, when God entered His creation in human form.  I considered the decision God made to take on human form and dwell among us.  The One who could have created a castle chose to be placed in a feeding trough.  Why?  The answer is God’s love for His creation.  Sin separated us from God and coming in a human body to pay for our sins was the only way to bring us back into a  relationship with Him.  The manger is overshadowed by the Cross, for the Son of God coming as a babe initiates God’s salvation plan that nails Jesus to a bloody cross.  The essence of the manger is the implementation of God’s love….a love that culminates in its full expression on the Cross.  Consider those in your life.  Have you shared your salvation story with them?   Tell them about the most “priceless” event in the history of mankind – the Creator coming to His creation as their Savior.                                                  
 

~ Pastor Tau Sooto ~