December 20, 2024

The Miracle of the Manger

The miracle of the manger is far more profound than the serene image of a quiet baby lying in a bed of hay. It is the staggering truth that the eternal God—the Creator of heaven and earth—left the glory and perfection of heaven to enter our broken, messy, and sinful world. On Sunday morning, we’ll explore the startling claims Jesus made about Himself—claims that demand a personal response.

The foundation for Sunday’s sermon comes from John 1:1-5 and 9-14, which beautifully unpacks who Jesus truly is and why He came.

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He existed in the beginning with God. ³ God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. ⁴ The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

⁹ The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. ¹⁰ He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. ¹¹ He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. ¹² But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. ¹³ They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. ¹⁴ So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

The miracle of the manger is not just about what happened in Bethlehem—it’s about what can happen in every heart that receives Him as Savior and Lord.

Merry Christmas,

pastor Jamie