The manger--the feeding trough-- was a sign of what Jesus came to do. This powerful image of Jesus' first bed being the place where God's creatures come to eat. "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry." (John 6:35) Jesus taking bread at the Last Supper said, "This in my body, which is given for you." (Luke 22:19) And Luke 4:4 quotes Deuteronomy 8:3 saying "One does not live by bread alone, but by the very word of God." He came to offer himself as bread for our souls. He came to satisfy a hunger that could not be satisfied any other way. Our hearts hunger to know that we are loved; that our lives have meaning and purpose; that we can be forgiven and find grace; that we are not alone; that there is always hope. We hunger to know that even death will not be the end of us; and we hunger for joy, and peace, goodness and grace.
In this life, we wrestle with the temptation to believe that if we just had enough bread we would be happy. The manger is reminding us that Jesus is the only one who can truly satisfy the hunger of our hearts.
Bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more. Help me to trust in your love and to live in your grace. Help me to be a part of your purpose. Fill me with your Spirit, and guide me by your live. Amen.
Adam Hamilton's The Journey
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