Food for Thought: Away in a Manger

This time of year many Christians contemplate the birth of Jesus. The details, like the angel’s song to the shepherds or the gifts of the wise men, are familiar from childhood. Even the apparent minute details of the Bible have significance.

From His lowly birth to his shameful death, Jesus lived a life of rejection. We all know that Jesus was born in a stable because there was no room at the inn. But why in a manger? I assume the feeding trough was a better option than a dirt floor, but surely there is some significance to this small point; God isn’t One to waste words.

A manger is a feeding trough for animals. This implies that Jesus came to us as food! God doesn’t just want to be the Creator in heaven but our content within us.

Furthermore, Jesus was born in the city of Bethlehem. This fulfills the prophesy in Micah 5:2 concerning the Lord’s birth, but it also points us back to the Lord’s purpose. Bethlehem means “House of Bread”. Why is that significant? In John 6:48, 57 the Lord says:

                  “I am the bread of life.”

                  “…so he who eats Me, he also shall live because of Me.”

Jesus was born in a feeding trough, in the “House of Bread” because he came to be nourishment to man.

The Lord did not stop as a loaf of bread, but went smaller still in Matthew 15. In verse 27 the gentile woman likened the Lord to crumbs that have fallen from the table. The God of this universe came as a crumb, small enough for anyone to take in. This means regardless of our status we are qualified to partake of Christ and enjoy Him for all that He is. Eating is something normal and necessary for our physical life. Our spiritual life also must consist of eating and feasting on the Lord.

I hope you’ll remember this as you take time to honor and celebrate the Lord this week.

Bible references: Luke 2:7, Micah 5:2, John 6:48, 57, 15:27

Noodle-making in Queens, New York

Today, I was in Flushing, Queens running some errands with Ina and company. Flushing is said to be one of the most diverse neighborhoods in NYC, but I didn't stay long enough to really notice anything but an abundance of Chinese and Korean people, shops, and restaurants.

Here's a videoclip of a man making the noodles I had for lunch. :)

Simsbury, Connecticut

I am on the East Coast for the next week, visiting my lovely friend and roommate, Ina. Here are a few nice things I like about her small town, Simsbury, CT.

1. The weather. I anticipated snow, but apparently Connecticut is having an unnaturally warm December. Nevertheless, I love the cold weather. Unlike the typical Texan, Conneticuters are always prepared for snowfall.

I learned that this intimidating massive contraption is a snowblower. 

2. Holiday Decor. No tangly lights or oversized blowup Santas. Just simplicity and elegance.

(The owner of the house was pulling into her driveway as I snapped this one. That was awkward.)

This is the Flower Bridge in Simsbury.

which brings me to...
3. Colonial-style Houses! So adorable but very expensive. I had a hard time choosing the top four.

(Continuing the holiday theme with TEN wreaths.)

This one has a balcony over the door!

4. Mom-and-Pop places.

Like coffee shops with a little living room and books on shelves.

Or stores that sell un-pasturized local milk.

And pizza places with yummy eggplant fries. :)

Tomorrow, I'm headed to Rhode Island!