Just think: Jesus was wrapped in strips of cloth and laid in a manager—an animal feeding trough.  I hope you understand how significant this is! It is because feeding is such an important part of the plan of God. Jesus was laid in the trough. Feed is what is usually in the trough. Jesus, who laid in the feeding trough, would become the one who would eternally and continuously feeds us through His Word—to the degree we would seek Him.  

As Jesus walked out His earthly ministry, His teachings would bring the listeners that were hungry for God, revelation and insight of God and His plan for man. And it would be the feeding of His Word that would bring the souls of mankind a true joy and peace such as they had never felt before.

We see this in John 6:35 (NIV) “Then Jesus declared, I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me will never go hungry, and he who believes in Me will never be thirsty.”

We read more in John 6:31-35 (NKJV)  “Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'” Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He (Jesus) who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” Then they said to Him, “Lord, give us this bread always.” And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” And as God would plan it, Jesus was born in Bethlehem which means The House of Bread. 

As you think about Christmas, remember Jesus in the manager—in the feeding trough! Let that remind you that He came into this world to feed us His truth. He came to set us free from our fears and insecurities of being consumed by His wrath. came to give us a new and everlasting assurance of His love—that He would always be with us! He came to give us His insight. and His instruction for living.  He came so that we could live uprightly and blessed as overcomers over the trials and tribulations this sin-tainted world tries to destroy our life with!

This is what Joseph and Mary did. With faith in God’s promises and by His grace, they walked out each moment step-by-step and day-by-day. Their lives were marked with the reassurance of His love including signs and wonders as they lived by faith and trust in Him. That faith and trust was fueled by His word—Jesus the Word that was first placed in the manager—the feeding trough!

Matthew 4:4 (NIV) Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” 

In His Love,
Pastor Tim