The Peace and Promise of ChristmasSample

The Story in the Manger

This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger -Luke 2:12.

Martin Luther, the German reformer who turned the religious world upside down, was both courageous and complicated. He spoke truth to power in ways that made his generation uncomfortable, yet he also spoke with great wisdom. Luther said of the Old Testament Scriptures: “Here you find the swaddling clothes and the manger in which Christ lies, and to which the angel points the shepherds [see Luke 2:12]. Simple and lowly are these swaddling cloths, but dear is the treasure, Christ who lies in them.”

The wonder is not simply the God-breathed Scriptures of the Old Testament—Luther riveted his gaze upon the Christ revealed there. As writer Sally Lloyd-Jones put it, “Every story whispers His name.” 

This seemingly fresh idea was the subject of the first-ever post-resurrection Bible study. On resurrection day, Jesus talked with two disciples on the road to Emmaus. “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself” (Luke 24:27).

What a wonder we’ve been given in the Bible! The Old Testament provides the foundation and the raw materials for the good news of the Savior, who defines the New Testament. Poetry and prophecy. Law and history. They told the story of their times. All the while, those Scriptures were pointing to Jesus. 

How would you rate your understanding of God’s big story, the Bible? What small changes might you put into place to understand it more?

God, I need Your Spirit’s wisdom and guidance, especially when it comes to loving and understanding the story of Jesus revealed in the Bible. Thank You for this wonderful treasure.