Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger… By a vision of the night God could have prepared the keeper of the inn for the reception of the world's Saviour; by a message conveyed by angelic lips He could have commanded the most sumptuous welcome which earth's palaces could afford; He who created the beauties which smiled on the bosom of paradise could have called into existence a garden blooming with flowers which never graced primeval Eden, and amid its blushing charms the "Rose of Sharon" might have budded. But no! In God's estimation, what difference is there between a palace and a manger? Whatever Christ touched He dignified. The king, untouched by Christ, is blind and miserable and naked. The pauper in whose heart Christ abides is gifted with loftiest dignity. Christ shed a glory round that Eastern stable. Had infant Caesars pillowed their heads in the manger it would have been a manger still; but Christ having found a cradle there, the manger is henceforth distinguished by such a glory as never shone on the palaces of kings. (Dr. Parker.) NO ROOM FOR JESUS. He was cradled in a manger; His own angels sung the hymn Of rejoicing at His coming, Yet there was no room for Him. Oh, my brothers, are we wiser, Are we better now than they Have we any room for Jesus In the life we live to-day? (Anon) Not much room for our Lord Jesus Has there been, or will there be; Room for Pilate and for Herod — Not for Him of Calvary. Room for pleasures — doors wide open, And for business, — but for Him Only here and there a manger, Like to that at Bethlehem. NEW PRINCE, NEW POMP. The inns are full; no man will yield This little pilgrim bed; But forced He is with silly beasts In crib to shroud His head. Despise Him not for lying there First what He is inquire: An Orient pearl is often found In depth of dirty mire. Weigh not His crib, His wooden dish, Nor beasts that by Him feed; Weigh not His mother's poor attire, Nor Joseph's simple weed. This stable is a prince's court, The crib His chair of state; The beasts are parcel of His pomp, The wooden dish His plate. The persons in that poor attire His royal liveries wear; The Prince Himself is come from heaven: This pomp is praised there. With joy approach, O Christian wight Do homage to thy King; And highly praise this humble pomp Which He from heaven doth bring. (R. Southwell.) Parallel Verses KJV: And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. |
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