Baby in a Manger

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

This morning I am in my living room staring at my lights, gazing at my nativities, my decorations, all the presents wrapped under my tree and wondering about that first Christmas morning many years ago. There was nothing but a baby in a manger. No grand hoopla around Him. Just a bunch of animals and hay and dirt. And a baby in a manger. He was out of place in this building for housing animals. "Wrapped in dirty rags cause there was no room for Him in the world He came to save."(while you were sleeping lyric).
My house doesn't look like a stable. It is filled with my treasures and my "stuff". In a couple of days it will be filled with my kids and grandpeeps and I cannot wait! But it is my prayer that in all the hoopla of the day and the ripping open of presents and eating of food, we don't just cast a glance at the baby in a manger. It is my prayer He is the center of our day. Of all our days. Of our lives.
I love my nativity in the picture above because it is what the nativity represents- JESUS! JESUS! Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
May Jesus be the center of your Christmas celebration. Make room for Him and don't just let Him be the baby in a manger. He is the reason for the day and the source of all our blessings. Many are hurting this Christmas season- Christ came to save a hurting world. A baby in a manger who will return as the bridegroom to whisk His bride away!
Hallelujah and Merry Christmas!
Michelle