Daily Devotional – ‘In His Footstep’
By Kingdom Support Initiatives (KSi)
December 21st 2022

The Manger (I)

And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 (ESV)

Bible Reading: Luke 2:1-12

Christmas is probably the major period when the word, manger‚ is spoken of among people. Many people have different definitions of its meaning. Some only know it as the place where Jesus was born, while others define it as a place where cattle are kept. But what exactly is a manger? The dictionary defines a manger as a long trough or a structure or feeder used to hold animal food. Horses or cattle feed in a manger. In those days, it was so insignificant that it was constructed from the leftovers of wood used in constructing important things. More so, horses and cattle can do without a manger as they don’t care even when their food is served on the floor- they still eat cheerfully. The story and significance of this insignificant and dirty manger changed when the saviour of the world (Jesus) was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid there. It became more prominent than the well-built inns of Bethlehem simply because the King of kings was laid there. This shows us that no matter how insignificant, sinful and unclean you might be, your story will change when you accept and allow the King of glory, Jesus. Jesus loves you and wants to dwell in your heart as your saviour and Lord. For anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT). This is why He was born to save his people from their sins Matthew 1:21 (NIV).

Action Point: Make Jesus the Lord of your life and the reason for this season.

Daily Confession: Thank you, Jesus, for the salvation of my soul.

Intercessory prayer: Pray for anyone who needs the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

Hymn: Away in a manger no crib for a bed;

The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head

The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,

the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay