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AWAY IN A MANGER Proverbs 22:6 The beloved Christmas Carol, "Away in a Manger," is truly a mystery—even from the beginning. For many years, it was thought that Martin Luther, the great German church leader of the Reformation Era, wrote it, and even sung it to his many children. More recently, it has been discovered that the beautiful carol was known in the United States, even before it became popular in Germany. Though this mystery of authorship may never be solved, there is a much greater mystery before us today—how the amazing Love of God could become flesh and find a resting place in a manger, and what that means to us and our families. It is true—the Lord Jesus came into this world as a little baby. We all come and start out as babies. They are so precious to look at. From the beginning, we start thinking about what they are going to become when they get older. How can I train this little one? Proverbs 22:6 tells us, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." The word "train" literally refers to a dedication to a narrow way, which is only possible through godly discipline. This "training" is a matter of separating them from the evil influences of the world and encouraging them to seek God for themselves. As these young ones get older, we need lots of faith and patience—they need to be brought up in the middle of love and true fellowship. They need to learn how to do things, and they need to know God and how to love and serve Him. In this, they learn what is good and what is wrong. We have to trust in GOD, and God alone, to guide us each step of the way. Children are very much like pieces of clay. They may start out seemingly well, but they need to be remolded and reshaped until the LORD shows us the finished product. Over the next 20 years of that baby's life, it is going to take much training, wisdom, patience, and faith. Never forget—when we look at that precious little baby, it is really a gift from the great GOD ALMIGHTY. With HIS help and guidance, HE will direct you in all your needs. What an amazing mystery! Through prayer, faith, and patience, you will raise that precious little one for the Lord's glory, and you yourself will grow closer to God, as well. Imagine! That starry night that overlooked the cattle lowing and a sleeping baby on the hay, is the same starry night that overlooks our families—"all the dear children in thy tender care." Oh, the mystery of it—the precious little baby of 2,000 years ago, makes it possible to "fit us for heaven to live with thee there." How? Dan Hayden writes in his book, "Name Above All Names," "The truth of the matter is…Jesus is the unique Savior who is both perfect man and the only true God. The little Child in the Bethlehem manger grew to live a sinless life, taught us the truth about God, died on the cross for our sins, rose again from the dead, and is coming again in great power and glory as the King of kings and Lord of lords. There is no one like Him. And that is something to get excited about!" In this, have a very Merry Christmas! ~ C. June Johnson |