Away With the Manger

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Away With the Manger

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.  Luke 2:7

What a humble birthplace for the King of glory to enter into humanity and to be born into this sin-sick world!  A dirty stall, in a cattle feeding trough with hay for bedding!  What an incredible God we have!  Far away, in a manger, Jesus came into this world for us! Do you enjoy singing the Christmas Carol “Away in A Manger?”  I enjoy singing it along with all the other wonderful carols we have. 

Today, it seems, the most accurate phrase could be: “Away with the Manger!”   Many have attempted and continue to try to remove Christ out of Christmas.  Fake substitutes for gift-giving, like a fat man with reindeer is just one example.  Anything that diverts our attention from Jesus is a cheap substitute for what Christmas is really all about.  People are trying to get “away” from what Christmas is all about! 

Praise the Lord there are a few who still know that Christmas is about Christ. When you hear the song:  “Away in a Manger” remember the tremendous sacrifice, and incredible love that Jesus has for us. Be encouraged to use the word “Christmas” so people know what special day you are celebrating.  Lift up the name of Christ in your conversation as you greet and speak with people this season.  Yes, Jesus came – in a manger – the story remains true – He came for us, He came for you!  

Published by Dr Steven

Steven Harness is a Christian husband and father of three who has been married to Natalie for nearly 25 years. A veteran pastor and counselor he’s been in gospel ministry for 25 years. He blessed to serve as the lead pastor of the Wilton Baptist Church in Wilton, NY. He has a long-term interest in archeology, history, creation science, ancient languages, and the Bible. He enjoys the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and targeting. He is also a fan of youth sports such as Jr. NBA and Little League baseball, both of which he has enjoyed coaching. Concerning credentials, Steven holds a Bachelor of Bible (BB) at Pensacola Christian College, a Master of Divinity (MDiv.) in Education from Mid-America Theological Seminary, a Master of Ministry (MMin.) in Pastoral Studies, a Doctor of Philosophy of Religion (PhD.) in Counseling from Bethany Divinity Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry (DMin.) in theology and apologetics from Liberty University. He is also a Board-Certified Christian Counselor (BCPPC), a SYMBIS facilitator, and president of the New York Association of Christian Schools. He is the lead counselor of Mountain View Christian Counseling and the lead speaker for Truth Defended, and apologetics ministry. www.truthdefended.org Ultimately, Steven hopes to serve the Lord with gladness, humble plodding along and making a difference for the Kingdom. He is available for special conferences and training sessions. Steve is also a Board-Certified Christian Counselor (BCPPC) and a SYMBIS facilitator. He is the president of Mountain View Christian Counseling and the New York Association of Christian Schools. He recently started "Truth Defended" a ministry equipping Christians to defend their faith.

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