Today’s manger is from Playmobil kit #4884 and can be viewed/ordered here.
It’s funny how “manger” sounds so much nicer than “feeding trough.” I like how this scene shows the animals using what will serve as Jesus’ first bed. I’ve heard of a variety of things serving as a first bed, whether it was specially designed basinet or more innovative re-purposing of dresser drawers, old boxes or a well surrounded spot on the floor. Many of us had humble births, and in that beginning Jesus identifies with us, with our mothers who bring us into uncertain worlds and with our children unaware of the dangers we hope to shield them from.
Day 11 – Luke 1: 39-45 (TNIV)
39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
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