Advent at Home: Away in a Manger
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
18 This is how Jesus Christ was born. A young woman named Mary was engaged to Joseph from King David's family. But before they were married, she learned that she was going to have a baby by God's Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph was a good man and did not want to embarrass Mary in front of everyone. So he decided to quietly call off the wedding. 20 While Joseph was thinking about this, an angel from the Lord appeared to him in a dream. The angel said, “Joseph, the baby that Mary will have is from the Holy Spirit. Go ahead and marry her. 21 Then after her baby is born, name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 So the Lord's promise came true, just as the prophet had said, 23 “A virgin will have a baby boy, and he will be called Immanuel,” which means “God is with us.”
Matthew 1:18-23
Memory Verse
Hebrews 4:15
15 Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin!
"How are you feeling, sweetie?" Lucy's mom asked softly.
"Not good," Lucy sadly responded as she lay on the couch.
"Does your stomach still feel yucky?" Mom asked. Lucy nodded, afraid that speaking too much would make it feel worse. "I made some soup for you, brought a blanket, and thought we could watch one of our favorite movies."
Lucy sat up and slowly began to eat her soup. Her mom was right; the soup did help, and the blanket and movie helped take her mind off her stomach. As the movie ended, Lucy asked, "Mom, how did you know that would help?"
"Well, I've been sick before, and I know what helps me feel better. Now, try to get some rest so you feel better."
Lucy's mom knew how to help her feel better because she had been sick before. The third verse of Away in the Manger begins with, "Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask you to stay close by me forever, and love me, I pray." One of the incredible truths about Jesus coming to earth as a baby is that he knows what it is like to be human, which means he knows how best to love you when life is hard. He knows what it is like to have people tease him, so he speaks the truth about who you are. He knows what it is like to be tired, so he provides rest. He knows what it is like to feel hurt, so he is here to give comfort.
He loves you so much. He knows how to show that love, no matter what you are going through.
Prayer
Dear God, thank you that Jesus knows what it is like to be a kid. Give me eyes to see him when life is hard. Thank you that you love us. Amen.Related Resources
Philip Vander Windt
Philip VanderWindt is the pastor at Champlain Valley Christian Reformed Church. In his free time he enjoys building “tall-tall towers” with his kids, analyzing worldviews of films and music with his wife, photographing the beauty of God’s creation, dabbling in leathercraft and woodwork, and writing.