CHRISTMAS: THE GLORY OF GOD REVEALED IN A MANGER
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Luke 2:6-12
Key Verse: “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)
Supporting Texts: John 1:14; Isaiah 9:6; Philippians 2:6-8; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Hebrews 1:1-3
INTRODUCTION
Christmas is not merely a celebration of a birth; it is the unveiling of God’s glory in the most unexpected place. While the world often associates glory with splendour, power, and wealth, God chose a manger to reveal His eternal plan of redemption. This contrast challenges human expectations and redefines true greatness.
The manger was a place for animals, a symbol of rejection and simplicity, yet it became the stage for the greatest revelation of God’s glory. Heaven did not wait for palaces or thrones; instead, divine glory descended into human vulnerability. This teaches us that God’s glory is not limited by environment, status, or human recognition.
As believers, understanding the glory revealed in the manger helps us appreciate the depth of God’s love and humility. It reminds us that God meets humanity where it is and transforms ordinary spaces into places of divine encounter.
1. GOD’S GLORY REVEALED THROUGH HUMILITY
God deliberately chose humility as the channel through which His glory would be manifested to the world. The birth of Jesus demonstrates that divine glory is most powerfully displayed through submission to God’s will rather than outward splendour.
a) God chose a humble setting to display divine glory (Luke 2:7)
The manger reveals that God is not intimidated by lowly places; instead, He sanctifies them for His purpose and glory.
b) The incarnation shows God’s willingness to stoop for humanity (Philippians 2:6-8)
Jesus laid aside His heavenly privileges, demonstrating that humility is central to God’s redemptive plan.
c) God’s glory contradicts worldly definitions of greatness (1 Corinthians 1:27-29)
What the world considers insignificant, God often uses to reveal His power and wisdom.
d) Humility attracts divine manifestation (Isaiah 57:15)
God dwells with the humble, making humility a gateway to experiencing His glory.
Biblical Example: The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, where the King of kings entered the world without earthly recognition yet with heavenly approval.
2. GOD’S GLORY REVEALED IN HUMAN FORM
The manger reveals not only humility but also the mystery of God becoming flesh. Christmas celebrates the visible manifestation of the invisible God among men.
a) The Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14)
God’s glory was no longer distant but tangible, accessible, and relational through Christ.
b) Jesus revealed the exact nature of God (Hebrews 1:3)
Through Christ, humanity could now see, hear, and understand God’s character.
c) God chose nearness over distance (Deuteronomy 31:6)
The incarnation assures believers that God desires close fellowship with humanity.
d) The manger marks the beginning of God’s redemptive presence (Matthew 1:23)
Emmanuel signifies that God permanently chose to dwell with His people.
Biblical Example: Jesus walking among people, touching lepers, healing the sick, and revealing God’s compassion in visible ways.
3. GOD’S GLORY REVEALED THROUGH SACRIFICIAL LOVE
The glory in the manger points forward to the cross, showing that love, not comfort, was God’s ultimate priority.
a) Christ’s birth was an act of divine generosity (2 Corinthians 8:9)
Heaven gave its best so humanity could receive salvation.
b) Love motivated God’s redemptive plan (John 3:16)
The manger stands as proof that God’s love is intentional and sacrificial.
c) God valued souls over splendour (Mark 8:36)
The simplicity of Christ’s birth reflects God’s focus on eternal rather than material value.
d) The manger foreshadows the cross (Luke 9:58)
From birth to death, Jesus embraced sacrifice for humanity’s redemption.
Biblical Example: Jesus laying down His life on the cross, completing the love story that began in the manger.
4. GOD’S GLORY REVEALED TO ALL PEOPLE
The glory revealed in the manger was not exclusive but universal, extending hope and salvation to all nations.
a) The birth announcement was made to shepherds (Luke 2:8-11)
God revealed His glory first to ordinary people, showing that salvation is for everyone.
b) Joy was declared to all people, not a select few (Luke 2:10)
Christmas carries a message of universal hope and restoration.
c) God removed social and spiritual barriers (Galatians 3:28)
The manger symbolises equality in God’s redemptive plan.
d) The glory of God invites global worship (Psalm 96:3)
Christ’s birth calls all nations to acknowledge God’s saving power.
Biblical Example: The shepherds and later the wise men, representing both the lowly and the learned, worshipping the newborn King.
CONCLUSION
Christmas reminds us that God’s glory is not always loud or flashy but often revealed through humility, love, and divine purpose. The manger teaches us that God enters human brokenness to bring redemption, light, and hope to a troubled world.
As believers, we are called to reflect this glory by embracing humility, walking in love, and making room for Christ in our hearts. When we understand the glory revealed in the manger, our lives become vessels through which God’s presence is manifested to the world.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, help me to recognise Your glory even in humble and unexpected places.
2. Father, cultivate a spirit of humility in me that attracts Your presence.
3. Let the revelation of Christ transform my understanding of true greatness.
4. Lord, make my life a dwelling place for Your glory.
5. Father, remove every barrier preventing me from experiencing Your presence.
6. Let the love revealed at Christmas be fully expressed in my life.
7. Lord, align my heart with Your redemptive purpose.
8. Father, help me to value eternal things above temporary comfort.
9. Let the message of Christmas renew my faith and hope.
10. Lord, use me as a channel to reveal Your glory to others.
