The Manger

Make of me a manger

Such a lowly thing

The first earthly throne

Of the King of Kings

Make of me a manger

Like the one of old,

Though I am so little

Please be mine to hold

Make of me a manger

A feeding trough of hay

I want to give myself to others

And lead them to your Way

Make of me a manger

A heart open to receive

Work in me your glory

Teach me to believe.

Make of me a manger

And let me hold inside

The Holy Infant Savior,

Emmanuel, in me abide!

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The manger. The central piece in every child’s nativity set, the focus point of every church on Christmas Morning. We know the story by heart “you will find an infant, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger”. And so here we are, keeling before the infant Son of God, who lies in a feeding trough for animals.

The manger is perhaps as a symbol of giving and receiving. In giving a manger holds hay, allowing animals to be fed and fully nourished from what it contains. In receiving, it becomes not just a vessel for livestock food, but for the Bread of Life himself.

How beautiful in its simplicity is this resting place of our God!? The first resting place is not a throne or a brilliantly adorned crib or carriage. It’s a feeding trough. This humble bed, for the Creator of the Universe. God chose to dwell here first, to come as a helpless infant and to sleep in a manger on His first night on Earth.

How much then does our God desire to dwell within us?

Let us ready our hearts for His coming, not just on Christmas, but every moment. Like a manger, let us open ourselves to receive Christ. And holding Him within us, give of ourselves to others from the same grace and mercy we receive. For He truly is Emmanuel, God dwells with us.

Make of me a manger, oh Lord my God!