Christmas Hands
Luke 2:1-21
Have you ever thought about your hands?
They separate us from all animals except the monkeys and apes
We have a thumb; others do not
With that thumb, we can make and use tools; others cannot
Because of tools, we can make and use automobiles, huge buildings and computers; others cannot
Now think about a baby’s hands
Small and delicate
Older babies can hold a rattle or a bottle
Even new babies will grip an offered finger
It is a natural reflex
Small hands . . . delicate hands . . . beautiful hands
Now go back with me 2000 years
In Bethlehem, there was a manger
It was rough hewn
Probably out of wood or stone
These “boxes” were put there to hold the animal’s food while they ate
In the manger scenes with which we are familiar, the “box” is small and barely holds the baby
In reality, it was huge and heavy
It had to be. Oxen, camels and other large animals ate, rubbed and pushed all at the same time
This was a “box” from which to feed livestock, not a family dog
Into this “box” a baby was laid
At first, he was tightly wrapped in strips of cloth to make him feel secure
Eventually, his hands came free
Small hands . . . delicate hands . . . beautiful hands
These hands began to explore his world, the world of the manger
Delicate hands exploring rough wood or stone
Hands that could not completely encircle your thumb. Look at your thumb
These are the same hands that, later, were nailed to an old rugged cross
These are the same hands that, though scarred, folded the burial cloth before leaving the tomb in victory
These are the same hands that reach down and help us through our lives
When you see a manger scene, remember the reason this baby came to Earth
One reason only
To die for you
The calendar may scream Christmas
But the reason is Easter
Think about it
To read more go to www.opendoorstochrist.org
Rev. O. K. Neal
