Manger Station

Instructions

Come before the manger representing the type of animal feeding trough that Jesus was placed in when he was born in Bethlehem. Imagine this hay-filled trough carrying a baby, and not just any baby, but the Son of God. Imagine the other animal sights and sounds and smells that might well have surrounded the baby Jesus as he experienced his first hours in human form.

Reflection

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Luke 2: 4-7

How do you feel about the fact that the Christ-child, Jesus, was laid in a manger in a dusty market village in a pretty primitive society far away from any sort of power or spotlight?

What does this show about what matters to God?

Imagine how you would like to respond if you were there, visiting the newborn King laid in a manger, like the shepherds did.