http://podcast.berkmedia.org/2016.12.18_SWS_Luke2_PastorEd.mp3

The Christmas story tells us that Jesus was born in a manger, which is a trough for animals.  A manger represents poverty, suffering, and abandonment, and essentially feeling like a loser for obeying God.  However, through the instances of “manger” that appear in Luke 2:1-20, we see God’s greater purpose and salvation that came through the manger, and we are invited to remain faithful to God in the midst of poverty, suffering, and abandonment.