Award-winning Publishers Weekly Best-selling Author

From the Manger to the Cross

by | Dec 16, 2013 | | Christmas Traditions & Thoughts | 7 comments

Jesus came at Christmas, so we could celebrate Easter.

That is the reason for the season. Not all the bright lights, tinsel, Santa, presents, etc. While all of that is fun—it’s not the true meaning of Christmas.

Do we remember this or do we bury ourselves in festivities forgetting the One who came to give us life?

Don’t get me wrong. I like Christmas just as much as anyone. It’s my favorite time of the year (I believe I already told you that! 🙂 ). We shouldn’t feel guilty for enjoying the season as long as we keep Jesus in the forefront of our celebrations.

Is this difficult?

Of course.

mangerSociety has pushed Jesus out of the manger and replaced Him with the worldly watered-down message of Christmas. Oh yes, we still sing Silent Night, Away in a Manger and other carols, but do we really listen and concentrate on the words? Or do we have “our list” rolling in our mind like a movie reel projecting what we still have to get done before December 24th?

What if we look closely at some of those songs? What will we find?

The last line of Away in a Manger says, “And fit us for Heaven to live with Thee there.”

We know that Jesus didn’t stay as a baby. He grew up and later died on the cross for us. That’s the only way we can be ‘fitted’ for Heaven to live with Him.

What about Silent Night? Listen to this.

Shepherds quake, at the sight
Glorious streams from heaven above
Heavenly hosts sings Hallelujah.
Christ the savior is born.

The shepherds shook at the sight of the baby because they knew He was the Savior of the world!!

Here’s a line from Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

Light and life to all He brings.

Yes! The tiny baby brings everlasting light to all who believe. Also, He was born to give us second birth.

Next time we’re in a hurry to get to our Christmas festivities, let’s remember what these lyrics hold—the true meaning of Christmas.

It started with a manager and ended on a cross.

Jesus had to be born in order to die.

For us.

The best gift of all!

What part of Christmas do you rush? What is your favorite Christmas song?

Luke 2:12 (KJV)

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

He Made a Way in a Manger (Candi Pearson-Shelton)

This is a new song for me. I went looking for something that would fit my blog and this one was perfect! Beautiful. He did make the way!! Listen carefully.

7 Comments

  1. henrymclaughlin

    Hi Darlene,
    Thanks for this wonderful post and the reminder of what Christmas is all about and what we’re to be about as Christians. This blessed me.

    Reply
    • Darlene L. Turner

      Thanks Henry! I know I sometimes get too wrapped up in the festivities that I forget to take time and really concentrate on why we celebrate!

      Reply
  2. ruthwaring

    You know, Dar, it was just this very weekend during one of the many concerts available to us here in Lindsay that I said to Doug, “Do you ever just sing the words out of habit?” I felt rather guilty of thinking I might be doing that, so I started paying attention to what I was singing! Such a difference! It’s nice to be able to sing the familiar carols without looking at the words, but I have been reminded of how important it is to pay attention to what I’m actually singing! Your reminder was right on!! I Trust you and Jeff will have a blessed Christmas!

    Reply
    • Darlene L. Turner

      That’s so cool, Ruth!!!! We’re on the same wavelength. 🙂 Merry Christmas to you and Doug!!! Have an awesome time celebrating with your family. Miss you!

      Reply
  3. susan steeves

    Hey Sissy,
    Thanks for this “CHRISTmas Timeless Truth” I love the song too!
    I rush trying to get ready… especially this time of the year is SO busy for me…and this year its crazy. I need to breathe…remember The Babe & The Cross and then I start to breathe normal again with peace in my heart…My favorite song is Peace On Earth by Casting crowns!

    Reply
    • Darlene L. Turner

      Thanks Sissy. I’m learning more and more this year of the stillness of Christmas and that we need to slow down. I also love that song by Casting Crowns too!! xo

      Reply
  4. Diane Spearing

    I love you blog Dar. God bless you

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Blog Archives

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This