The Manger Was a Clue
By Paul David Tripp
For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. - Isaiah 53:2-5
In truth, that beautifully decorated tree, those gorgeously wrapped presents, and all that tasty holiday food, which make us happy during the Christmas season, are poor representations of the world into which Jesus was born and what his everyday life would be like. Jesus didn’t show up for a celebration. He wasn’t here for a vacation. His world wasn’t well decorated, and he surely wasn’t well fed. He came to a world that had been dramatically broken by sin, and his calling was to expose himself to the full range of its brokenness. This is where the details of Christ’s birth are important. It means something profoundly important that the cradle of his birth was a feeding trough in a borrowed barn. You are meant to pay attention to the fact that he wasn’t in a palace, attended to by servants. It’s important to notice that the first smells that entered his infant nostrils weren’t oils and perfumes, but animal smells.
These seemingly unimportant details set up a sharp contrast between our celebrations at Christmas and the true conditions of the Messiah’s entry into our world. Most of us would be in a complete panic if we had to birth a baby in such conditions. But none of this was an accident. These conditions were God’s plan. They announce to us that the Messiah came not to be served but to serve (Matthew 20:28). Since he came to rescue sufferers, it was essential that he suffer too. And his suffering wasn’t reserved for the cross; it started the moment he was born. Everything he suffered was on our behalf. He would suffer but not lose his way. He would suffer and not quit and walk away. He would suffer and not grow bitter and angry. He would suffer and not respond with vengeance. He would suffer without thinking, desiring, saying, or doing even one wrong thing. He exposed himself to our world, to live as we could not live, so that as the righteous One, he could pay the penalty for our sin and give us not only peace with God, but a ticket to a future where suffering would be no more.
Jesus suffered because he did not demand what was his right; he endured what was wrong so that we may be right with God.
The manger of his birth is a clue to what he came to do and what every day of his life would be like. The way God chose to rescue sufferers was by becoming a sufferer himself. Every moment of his suffering was done with us in view. Every dark moment of physical, relational, societal, and judicial suffering had a high and holy purpose to it: our salvation. You see, Jesus came to suffer because he came to be our Savior.
There’s nothing wrong with the shiny ornaments and bright lights. Your celebration of what Jesus willingly did for you should be a festival of overflowing joy. So celebrate the blessings you’ve received, the best of those being the gift of Jesus, by passing that blessing on to others with gifts of love. Eat wonderful food, but let it remind you of the lavish spiritual food that God feeds you with every day because of the willing sacrifice of his Son, Jesus.
Reflect on today’s verse with us. Share your thoughts in the Your Daily Bible Verse discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Susan_SM
Content taken from Come, Let Us Adore Him: A Daily Advent Devotional by Paul David Tripp, ©2017. Used by permission of Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, Il 60187, www.crossway.org.
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Knowing God’s Word is foundational in being able to recognize what is false.
06/11/2025
Jesus' final words to His disciples reveal a profound concern for their joy, emphasizing that His own joy is in them and that they should experience fullness of joy. By understanding Jesus' heart for our joy, we can discover the source of true happiness and fulfillment, which lies in Him alone.
06/10/2025
“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer” - Matthew 21:22
06/09/2025
What difficult circumstances are you currently facing? Do you believe the truth of Romans 15:13?
06/07/2025
What if you and I were to adopt the motto: “The Lord is my portion?” Our lives would look very different.
06/06/2025
Not only is it possible to pray without ceasing, but it’s possible to do so without making any significant changes to your schedule or time commitments.
06/05/2025
There’s only one way for each life to attain true peace.
06/04/2025
Jesus is your good shepherd and He is always with you and always watching over you. And even when you don’t think you can continue to go on in your own strength, He is there to carry you through when you need Him most. He is your Jehovah Ro’i.
06/03/2025
All the way to the cross, people made the wrong assumptions about the Man who was the Savior of the world.
06/02/2025
What anxious thoughts are robbing you of the experience of God’s peace?
06/01/2025
Jesus, through the Gospel, stepped in and more than fulfilled the role that Adam failed.
May 202505/31/2025
We need something else, we need Someone else.
05/30/2025
Journal during the time when you do your daily Bible study.
05/29/2025
Have you experienced times in your life where you can't feel God's presence?
05/28/2025
So who is this man who was an imperfect foreshadow to Jesus and why should we care?
05/27/2025
Nobody loves you like God. Nobody keeps promises like God does. And nobody has the wisdom to intervene at just the right time like God does, and God will.
05/26/2025
God loves his children. So much that he provided a way for us to someday live with him forever.
05/25/2025
What are the circumstances in your life blocking your view of how God is moving?
05/24/2025
Because God is omniscient I can be real. We don't have to pretend with Him.
05/23/2025
As a disciple, loving the whole world one person at a time is not only a daunting task but also a call to choose love and generosity in everyday interactions. By embracing God's outrageous generosity and practicing loving generosity on a scale that would be uncomfortable for us, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those around us.
05/22/2025
Being able to detect false teaching is important for believers, but sometimes it’s difficult to know in the moment when we’re confronted by it.
05/21/2025
Randy Alcorn explores the paradox of grace and truth in his article, arguing that a balanced approach is necessary to effectively share the gospel. By embracing both the love for sinners and the condemnation of sin, Christians can authentically represent Jesus' teachings and lead people to Him.
05/20/2025
God has made it clear to all who He is and because He has, we are without excuse.
05/19/2025
Here are a few things that Paul says to the church of Corinth, which seems to be a timely word for our day.
05/18/2025
In the midst of your suffering, cling to Jeremiah 29:11, but cling to it for the right reason.
05/17/2025
Churches are often plagued by self-serving attitudes that prioritize individual interests over servanthood, leading to inwardly-focused priorities and a lack of emphasis on the Great Commission. By recognizing and addressing these 10 common pitfalls, churches can cultivate a mindset of Christ-like servitude and focus on truly serving others.
05/16/2025
God does incredible things when we stop relying upon our own abilities and start relying on him.
05/15/2025
Jesus assured them that he would not leave them without comfort. He would send his Holy Spirit to sustain and guide them. And he does the same for us.
05/14/2025
Here are three steps to take to stay calm in chaotic moments.
05/13/2025
Jesus' promise of "many mansions" in heaven is often misunderstood as a reference to luxurious estates, but the New Testament scholar D.A. Carson suggests that Jesus intended for each believer to have an individual dwelling place within a larger estate - a cozy and intimate space tailored to their unique needs. By accepting God's gift in Christ, believers can rest assured that they will find their ideal home in heaven, free from the uncertainty of a "No Vacancy" sign.
05/12/2025
If God only called us to what we felt capable to do, then would we even recognize God’s hand at work in our lives?
05/11/2025
What a beautiful word picture for us, as Christians, to live separately from the darkness of the world.
05/10/2025
Increasing faith requires more than just hearing God's Word, but rather actively engaging with it through reading, heeding its teachings, and testing its validity. By incorporating these three simple practices into daily life, individuals can build a stronger reliance on God and experience spiritual growth.
05/09/2025
What mighty calling from the Lord do we struggle with most?
05/08/2025
For Christians, the “end of all things” ushers in the return of Jesus and the culmination of our faith.
05/07/2025
Keep your eyes on the joy of ruling and reigning with Jesus and the joy you’ll know when you’re reunited to loved ones who believed in Jesus.
05/06/2025
Though we often don’t understand God’s timing, He always has a plan to work for our good and His glory.
05/05/2025
“God of Comfort” can also be translated as “God of Compassion.”
05/04/2025
When trouble comes, what is our first reaction? Do we turn to God first, seeking His help?
05/03/2025
This is how he designed us to flourish...with a soul rooted in faith and at rest in his plan.
05/02/2025
If believers obey Jesus' command to love, they enjoy the intimacy of His friendship.
05/01/2025
Prayer is an act of humility that acknowledges God's sovereignty and our own weakness, allowing us to wait patiently for His perfect timing. By casting our anxieties on Him, we can receive the grace He longs to pour out, knowing that He cares deeply for each of His precious children individually.
April 202504/30/2025
Historians tell us the Pharisees started off as revivalists. Eventually, however, they went from being encouragers to harassers, from lovers of God to bullies.
04/29/2025
Through prayer, I invite and involve God into my everydayness.
04/28/2025
Are our eyes on the stormy sea, on the Son who saves?
04/27/2025
A strong work ethic is something to be valued, and is mentioned many times throughout the Scriptures. But what about rest?
04/26/2025
There is no more waiting for a yearly ceremony to cleanse us.
04/25/2025
As believers, we are called to build each other up and encourage one another in our spiritual journeys, but many of us neglect this crucial aspect of community. By incorporating prayer, discussion, and service into our gatherings with fellow believers, we can accelerate growth, deepen relationships, and become more effective witnesses for Christ.
04/24/2025
We pray that as you study, God’s Word will come alive for you.
04/23/2025
We don’t know about tomorrow—we aren’t even sure there will be a tomorrow. So, I want my life to be a fragrant offering today. Because life is short. And, my life belongs to God.
04/22/2025
Do you ever feel like this? The weight of the world is on your shoulders. What do you do?
04/21/2025
God wrote His name on you when you gave your life to Jesus Christ. He has given you gifts and abilities. He has invested himself in you. That is where your value comes from. And that’s why you can make a difference.
04/20/2025
The world around us is moving fast, and people seem to be spinning as well. But God instructs us to be still.
04/19/2025
So how do you keep from being a stumbling block through your words?
04/18/2025
Throughout the ages, skeptics have tried to disprove the Resurrection experience, but it stands the test of time.
04/16/2025
The purpose of the tension we feel with what we want and what we have is to point us to God and to eternity. We're meant to desire more of God.
04/15/2025
Sometimes, like the disciples, we need what we learned during the violent storm for what’s coming on the other side.
04/14/2025
Having struggled with anger for many years I can speak to its destruction and the flip side of a life away from it.
04/13/2025
Turn your worry into prayers and wait for the Gardener!
04/12/2025
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the heart of the Gospel, driving our faith and giving us hope in a dark world, yet many still seek truth and life among what is dead and decaying. By examining the story of the women who sought Jesus' body in the tomb, we are reminded that death has been defeated and Jesus is forever alive, offering an abundant life to those who trust and follow Him.
04/11/2025
Through His blood, we receive forgiveness of sins.
04/10/2025
This parable opens with a crystal clear reason why Jesus wants to tell it. It’s a great reminder that every one of Jesus’ stories are delivered with divine purpose.
04/09/2025
Next time you're tempted to grumble while serving others, consider it as an opportunity to serve God.
04/08/2025
Some of the greatest blessings in this world come from God's power in the midst of trials.
04/07/2025
Have you fought all the way through your up look to God?
04/06/2025
Let’s abide, by asking what the vine would have us do to show His love instead.
04/05/2025
Jesus' Bible was not the original Hebrew text, but a translation of it into Greek, known as the Septuagint, which He and the Apostles used extensively in their studies, teachings, and writings. This challenges the common assumption that Jesus had access to the original Hebrew Old Testament, and instead reveals that His understanding of God's Word was rooted in a reliable translation.
04/04/2025
Much like hard times come in seasons, trouble comes in waves. Before we allow our lives to be swayed, it’s wise to determine the direction of the waves.
04/03/2025
God gives believers spiritual gifts and opportunities to use those gifts. In this way every believer is significant because he becomes part of God's great eternal plan.
04/02/2025
God is the only safe place for our anxiety.
04/01/2025
Can we get past the affront of accepting a free gift?
March 202503/31/2025
Social media can train us to worship the idol of self.
03/30/2025
Jude’s warning—written so long ago—still resonates with us today.
03/29/2025
What does this scripture really mean?
03/28/2025
The Psalms are not written for the experts. They’re written for ordinary Christians leading ordinary lives—lives that are marked by depression, discouragement, despair, frustration, or maybe even numbness toward God or anger toward others.
03/27/2025
No matter how dim your circumstances seem, you can walk in the light as He is in the light.
03/26/2025
There is no sin that is so evil that it escapes God’s ability to forgive.
03/25/2025
The Bible reveals that God is a complex and multifaceted being, full of attributes such as love, holiness, and infinity, yet paradoxically, we cannot fully comprehend or know Him. Through the study of Scripture and Christ, however, we can gain insight into God's nature and attributes, leading to a deeper understanding of our relationship with Him.
03/24/2025
Scripture is pretty straightforward in instructing Christians to “Speak the truth to each other."
03/23/2025
God has specific plans for each individual, including both the present and future, which are designed to bring hope, joy, and fulfillment. By trusting in God's goodness, faithfulness, and love, believers can wait patiently for him to fulfill his plans, knowing that they will ultimately gaze upon His face and experience eternal joy in His presence.
03/22/2025
When you study the Word, this pleases God.
03/21/2025
In the death of Jesus Christ, the triune God intended to achieve the redemption of every person given to the Son by the Father in eternity past and to apply the accomplishments of his salvation to each of them by his Spirit.
03/20/2025
Will you take some time to meet with God in nature, or wherever you feel his presence most?
03/19/2025
The very same Spirit who raised Jesus, victorious over sin and death, lives in us.
03/18/2025
Shame is one of the biggest deterrents of a Christian’s freedom in Christ.
03/17/2025
Even when you feel you are in a pit, as the writer of Psalm 88 describes, God is there with you.
03/16/2025
A Christian can miss God's will for their life, but this is not because God is hiding his plan, but rather because they are ignoring the Bible and failing to follow its guidance. By seeking wisdom through scripture, asking for counsel from others, and evaluating decisions biblically, a Christian can avoid missing God's will and make God-honoring choices.
03/15/2025
Sabbath allows us to “soak in” God’s presence, to reflect on His good gifts, to meditate on His promises, and to reconnect with Him so our lives can be lived with the proper perspective.
03/14/2025
As we pray for God’s guidance in our everyday lives, let’s not forget to ask Him to keep our spiritual eyes open.
03/13/2025
Paul's charge to Timothy was to remain strong in the battle, steady on the open seas, and faithful in the Lord.
03/12/2025
It's easy to jump into "defense" mode. The Spirit guides us to a different path.
03/11/2025
Know that God has called you to peace. It’s His will for your life.
03/10/2025
These heartbreaking feelings of defeat can shake a person’s faith to the very core.
03/08/2025
By choosing to trust God, you’ll begin to see your anxiety and worry level disappear.
03/07/2025
If I did get a yes to every prayer, wouldn’t that make me more of a god than God?
03/06/2025
When you feel like the Lord isn’t hearing your prayers, take heart and do this:
03/05/2025
Jesus' experience in the Garden of Gethsemane is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, God's will can be done. By exploring Jesus' agonizing prayer and his willingness to submit to God's plan, readers will discover a profound message of hope and trust in the midst of uncertainty and suffering.
03/04/2025
Look around as the seasons change and you will see beauty upon beauty emerging from its cocoon.
03/03/2025
I have a tendency to seek God in prayer to “help me” or “deliver me." But today, he would remind me that we seek God because of who He is.
03/02/2025
Sometimes my Bible reading is alive and full – somewhat like a scenic picture bursting with color. And some days I simply don't know what to read or where to start...
03/01/2025
Some believe if you ask God once, you don’t need to ask Him again. However, Jesus taught His disciples to always pray and not give up.
