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the reason for the season

Away In A Manger
Author: Martin Luther
"1 Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay,
the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
2 The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
but little Lord Jesus no crying He makes.
I love you, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky,
and stay by my side until morning is nigh.
3 Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask You to stay
close by me forever and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in your tender care,
and take us to heaven to live with You there."

We are in the last week of Advent, we are celebrating Jesus becoming incarnate. We are studying the fact that Jesus came to us as a baby. A baby who cried. A baby who needed His diaper changed. A baby that needed to be fed. And, this week we study a baby that needed to sleep! This BABY is both human and GOD! It's REALLY incredible. 

We are beginning this week study in what we think of as a child's song; "Away In A Manger" written by the first Protestant: Martin Luther! This is a song we have all heard and we have all sung. We are amused and touched by the imagery; "the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay." It is very satisfying and endearing.  

When we sing the whole song we can be caught off guard by the simple and effective heartfelt plea; "Lord Jesus; I ask You to stay close by me forever and love me, I pray." The voice is innocent and genuine in asking for love. It's a voice we all need to cultivate asking to be near our Lord and Savior. The one who died on the cross earning our Salvation! Proof that He REALLY LOVES US!!!

Jesus is the reason we have the hope to live in Heaven forever. Jesus is the reason for the season.
Amen!
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