Laid In A Manger
LAID IN A MANGER
Luke 2:7 says, "And she gave birth to her son, the firstborn; and she wrapped Him in cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." The Man-Savior's life began with a manger in the lowest estate. This beginning was due to the fact that fallen man kind was fully occupied with its own fallen activ ities.
ANNOUNCED TO THE SHEPHERDS
BY AN ANGEL
The birth of the Man-Savior was announced to the shepherds by an angel as the good news of great joy to all the people (Luke 2:8-10). Verse 8 says, "And there were shepherds in the same country, living in the fields and keeping the nightwatches over their flock." Their work in shepherding the flock (which provided not only food for man but also offerings to God) and their diligence in keeping the nightwatches qualified them to be the first to receive the good news of the wonderful birth of the Savior announced by the angel. When the angel of the Lord stood by the shepherds and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, they feared greatly (2:9).