Pressed to the Manger

 

PRESSED TO THE MANGER

“… and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” – Luke 2:7

Introduction:

The story of man remained unchanged and the destiny portended doom for ever until there came a pressure of the crowd against a pregnant woman whose place was not found in the inn and a comfortable place. A pregnant woman received no mercy even at the point of delivery. Hence was pressed and pushed into a manger.

 

This pressure led to the delivery of Jesus in the manger. What an uncomfortable and unpleasant condition and situation! But God was up to something as it is often said that when man is down with something, God is up to something. The pressing of the orange is to bring out its sweetness.

 

Pressed on every side – 2 Corinthians 4:6-12, 16-18 (Read):

Today, we have on our calendar, the Christmas Carol. The programme is essentially to be anchored by the choir and the Students’ Fellowship. However, the recent event of passing into glory of our dear son Dara Akande, who also was a strong and impactful member of the Students’ Fellowship. This is one event too many. Since therefore the pain of one is the pain of all, the gain of one is the gain of all, the students group feels deeply heavy in the heart and therefore, could not put in the colour and excitement this occasion deserves.

 

Therefore, today’s carol programme is not as it used to be. However, the passage we have read gives the assurance that we cannot be cowed or our heads bowed to vicissitude of life. “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed, we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the Body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh… For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction which is but for a moment, worketh for us far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but of the things which are not seen for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:6-12, 16-18.The coming of Jesus is to bind up the broken hearted, … To appoint unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. Isaiah 61:1 & 3.

 

The Just Concluded Crusade:

The Wakajaiye crusade was a great testimony that confirms His presence with us. It also confirmed the courage and fortitude God has given to the Ministry as demonstrated by our brother the guest speaker, Brother Dejo Akande.

 

The pressing of the manger brought Jesus to save His people from their sins – Matthew 1:21. The only event of agony that led to the joy to the world. His crucifixion led to His death. His death led to His Resurrection giving the human race eternal victory over death!

 

As we celebrate another Christmas Carol though in a low key, we declare the victory of the Lord in all situations of life. We declare the Lordship of the Lord and we remain undaunted. We remain resolute and nothing will separate us from this love of Christ.