In The Manger

We find Christ was born in a manger what a lowly place for such a high visitor. We find Jesus the king of the Jews, Lord of Lords born in manger. As we think of the manger remember He's not in the cradle or on the cross, but is in Heaven set down at the right hand of God almighty.

1. Mediator Between God and Man (I Tim. 2:5)

a. a mediator is one who interposes, reconciles or joins together.

b. Christ was the only mediator .

c. God demanded a perfect sacrifice for an imperfect man. Jesus was the perfect sacrifice.

2. Advocate For Believers (I Jn. 2:1)

a. One who is alongside to plead a case.

b. Actually we have two advocates

1. In our hearts the Holy Spirit to convict us of sin.

2. In heaven Jesus to represent us when the accuser of the brethren comes along (Satan)

3. New and Living Way (Heb. 10:20)

a. Up unto this time man's access to God was through the High Priest and blood sacrifice.

b. But in that manger that day was a new and living way to God's presence.

4. God Manifest In the Flesh (Jn. 1:14)

a. His birth was unusual in the fact that usually there is a new beginning, but with His birth it was God who always was being introduce to man. He up until this time was seen as a cloud by day and a fire by night, but now he is introduced in the flesh.

b. He was fully God, but fully man.

c. The first visible eye contact of God.

5. Eternal Life (I Jn. 5:10-13)

a. Source- (v.11) He not only opened the door, he was the door.

He not only promised bread, he was the bread.

He not only bestows life, he is life.

b. Surety- (v.11) Record is a surety, and God has a record of it. (marriage, drivers license.) Surely if you know you are married (and know it) then shouldn't there be such knowledge of something as grand and wonderful as eternal life?

c. Substance- (v.12) When you get Jesus, you get eternal life.

6. Ransom for all Men (Eph. 1:7)

a. Man needed liberating.

b. Man couldn't liberate himself.

c. Christ was born in a manger to come and liberate you from sin or as (webster puts it) the redemption of man from the bondage of sin and liability to eternal death, and the conferring on him everlasting happiness. This is the great salvation.