An Afghan woman delivered a baby on an aircraft aboard. She was a refugee who was being evacuated. (BBC 22 August 2021) If an aircraft is a strange place to deliver a baby. A manger was also an unusual place for Mary to deliver her son Lord Jesus Christ. Lord Jesus Christ was born in a manger in Bethlehem and wrapped in swaddling clothes. (Luke 2:12)
1) Humility: God becoming human, or incarnation is ‘stepping down.’ Second person of the Trinity, Lord Jesus Christ, set aside His glory, throne, authority, power, majesty to take the form of man to redeem humanity. As Sovereign God, he chose humble manger to demonstrate that his mission is that of a ‘servant’ to serve humanity. A servant need not be born in a palace.
2) Law and Grace: A palace is where the king dwells and sometimes holds his court. King is generally the Law giver, also dispenses justice and could choose to show mercy. However, Lord Jesus came as a personification of grace and truth. (John 1:14) “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” (II Corinthians 8:9)
3) Access to all: Palace is a formidable, majestic place, full of pomp and show. In contrast, manger is a simple humble place. No palace gates to overwhelm seekers. No guards to stop seekers coming to see the King. No hindrance for humble folk like shepherds or the wise people from the East. Even in the Temple, there was limited access, especially in the Most Holy Place.
4) Spiritual symbolism: Animals go to a manger for food, nourishment, and protection. They have freedom inside the manger. Lord Jesus in the manger is the Bread of Life for humanity, the Bread came down from heaven. (John 6:35,51) Those who need spiritual food and protection can always get inside and receive salvation. The Least, the Lost and the Last can have free access to Salvation
Do I rejoice in the Saviour born in manger?