1 John 4:9
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him
Bible Reading for A Year:[bible]Psalm25[/bible];[bible]0Luke1[/bible];[bible]00Job29-31[/bible]
Why did God choose a manger as a baby bedding of Jesus? First, the manger is a symbol of God 's willingness to get in touch with the beastliness of this world, sin. The manger is a place to put food animals which are full of bacteria, and not the right place to put the baby who needs a sterile place. Second, the manger is a symbol that God came to all humans regardless of marital status.
The manger has become a sign from God to the shepherds (those whose status is the lowest) that the promised Messiah has come. Two symbols of the manger generates an important conclusion, His heart is full of love. Loving heart is what causes the salvation of mankind becomes possible. Without a loving heart, the salvation of mankind is simply impossible fulfilled.
A Christmas song titled "In A Manger" (KPK 94) precisely describes the magnitude of God's love. It begins with the words, "Besides the manger, there is no place for Jesus to lay down." That's the real Christmas. There is only a manger and that manger is a proof of the greatness of God's love.
If Christmas becomes real as God's heart is full of love, then isn’t Christmas supposed to make us more loving God and others? Christmas just would be a mere tradition if we do not love God more. Christmas is not more than a religious holiday if it does not encourage us to love more other people. Therefore, ask God to fill us with His love in this Christmas. [LSS]
Christmas is not only the holidays, but the proof of the greatest love of God to Mankind