Scripture: “And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” – Luke 2:12
Observation: The angel continues to speak to the shepherds after the amazing announcement that the Saviour of the world had been born. The location of the baby is given, and the shepherds hasten to the place where Jesus lay.
Application: A manger is basically a feed box from which animals will eat their food. A shepherd would know that this is the place sheep would go for their alfalfa, grass hay, or various types of grain. It could be made of stone, clay, or wood.
Swaddling clothes to a shepherd would be strips of cloth used to wrap around newborn lambs to protect and calm them immediately after birth. If the lamb was intended to be a sacrificial temple lamb, the swaddling would prevent an injury which would cause a blemish and render the lamb unsuitable for sacrifice. Once swaddled, the lamb was often placed in the manger for protection and rest.
With the shepherds’ background knowledge of sheep care coupled with the angel’s description of baby Jesus and His makeshift bed, the shepherds knew exactly where to go. They found Him without any difficulty and were the first to worship Him.
The significance of Jesus being swaddled and placed in a manger was a picture of Him being prepared as the perfect sacrificial Lamb of God. John the Baptist identified Jesus as such in John 1:29, “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
Jesus came for one purpose: to become the sinless sacrifice for sin for all people. He went to the cross as an unblemished lamb would be offered… perfect and without sin to pay the price for sin. The blood of Christ was shed on the cross as an offering to a holy God to redeem us. 1 Peter 1:19 states, “But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:” Jesus’ blood paid the price for my sins and yours, past, present, and future.
The Son of God died that you and I might live forever with Him. His gift of salvation is freely given to all who want it. The Bible states in Romans 10:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Why not call upon Him this Christmas season to forgive your sins and save your soul from eternal punishment? It would be the greatest gift you would ever receive!
Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for being the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world! You left the glory of heaven to live in a wicked, sinful world that would mock You, reject You, and ultimately crucify You so that I might have the opportunity to accept Your forgiveness and Your gift of eternal life. My heart rejoices in You, O Lord! There aren’t enough words to thank You for all You’ve done for me. I am humbled and so very, very grateful. In Your precious name, I pray. Amen.
Lamb of God so pure and spotless,
Lamb of God for sinners slain.
Thy shed blood has wrought redemption,
Cleansing us from every stain.
Lamb redeeming, Lamb redeeming,
Bearing all our sins away, bearing all our sins away!
(from “Lamb of God So Pure and Spotless” - unknown)
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“Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.”- Revelation 5:12
Praise the Lord for the Lamb of Glory, our Saviour!