Despite the anger or even outright hostility that many now seem to hold towards the Christian faith it is difficult to regard a defenceless newborn in that way.
The Lord Jesus arrived in this world as an innocent and fragile baby needing his mother's love, care and attention just like any other.
The cloths were needed to keep him warm, the manger (animals feeding trough) to keep him snug and safe under the watchful eye of his mother.
A Holy God Stoops LowCan one so exalted stoop so low?
If anything might convince us of the loving intentions of God towards us, is it not the Christmas story?
The Baffling IncarnationThe incarnation (Jesus becoming man) is baffling.
The eternal, everlasting, ever-living God enters humanity with the specific intention to die.
The pure sinless one prepares to take the punishment for the most deplorable sins you can imagine.
The sin-hating God arrives amongst us offering grace and mercy, even to the most guilty amongst us.
A Heart-Broken MotherHis devoted mother was told that 'a sword would pierce her own soul too.' 2 Luke 2:35
She would live to see her own beloved son hanging naked on a cross, rejected by both Jews and Gentiles alike.
The manger and the cross are one story.
From Baby to SaviourThe helpless infant in the manger becomes the Saviour on the cross.
'Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.' 3 John 15:13