Sentimentalizing the trough where Jesus was born

We all know the words to that timeless Christmas song.

It goes something like this.

"Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,

"The little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head..."

But how many of us have given a second thought, or even a real first thought, to what that manger some 2000+ years ago was really like?

Mike Lowery, pastor of Impact Community Church in Rock Hill, S.C., reminded everyone yesterday in his sermon that we've sentimentalized the trough (where Jesus came screaming and crying into the world) as a manger. (That's Mike's picture with this blog post.)

"Jesus came into this world in the stench of animals. He was born in a trough where animals were fed," Lowery boldly proclaimed.

Next time you hear that classic Christmas song, ask those singing it to define a manger.

Bet they'll be scratching their heads.

But why was the Son of God born in a trough--of all lowly and filthy things?

And why did he come as a baby?

Why not ride into the world on a thunderbolt or announce his grand coming in the clouds or glide down to earth off the arch of a rainbow?

God, incarnate in Jesus Christ, became a tender, helpless baby born in an animal trough, according to Lowery, because he wanted to be like a humble servant. He wanted to get as close as he could to ordinary people. And that meant becoming a human being and living on earth among lowly shepherds.

No thunderbolts or loud booms announcing his arrival in the world.

No singing or rejoicing of angels.

Jesus planned his "debut" this way, and, as it turned out, humility defined his entire 33 years of living.

He was born (in the most unlikely of circumstances) in a smelly animal trough, walked softly and wisely among us for a short time, and died horribly and painfully on an old rugged cross.

"Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus, lay down his sweet head..."

Click here to hear this beautiful song.