The King in a Manger - Luke 2
Pastor Dan Walker, PhD, MDiv
Introduction
Our Christmas message today is entitled “A King in a Manger.”
When we hear the word "King," what images do we picture? We think of a king being majestic, powerful, and exalted above all others. We picture grand palaces, royal robes, and servants attending to every need.
But the story of Jesus’ birth turns these expectations upside down. The King of Kings entered the world, not in splendor, but in simplicity. He came humbly, born in a manger to identify with the lowly and offer peace to all. This shocking reality, quite opposed to what Israel was expecting, reveals the heart of God’s plan.
Philippians 2:6–7 (ESV): "Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men."
Jesus, fully God, chose not to cling to His divine privileges but emptied Himself to take on the limitations of humanity. His birth in a manger was not a coincidence or an oversight by God; it was a deliberate act of humility. The King who created the universe chose to step into creation, not in majesty, but in meekness.
What kind of King does this? Only a King who loves His people deeply and desires to save them.
Isaiah 53:2–3 (ESV): "...he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not."
This prophecy foretold that the Messiah would not be recognized by His grandeur or appearance. He would be rejected, misunderstood, and even despised. Jesus’ birth in a manger foreshadowed the life He would live—a life of humility and suffering, identifying with the broken, the outcast, and the lowly.
The King came not to be served, but to serve, showing that greatness in God’s kingdom is measured by sacrifice and love.
So why does this matter today? Jesus’ birth in a manger invites us to respond. As we step into the story of Jesus’ birth, let’s marvel at the humility of our King. May we embrace the peace He offers and reflect on how we can respond to His incredible gift.
Trust God’s Unexpected Plans
Luke 2:1–3 (ESV): "In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town."
God used the Roman census, an act of political control, to fulfill the prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. So, Mary and Joseph traveled some 80 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem, taking almost a week to arrive, all while Mary was in the last days of her pregnancy. But it was all part of God’s plan.
We must trust that even the disruptions and inconveniences of life are part of God’s greater purpose. Is there a challenging situation that you are facing this Christmas season? Prayerfully surrender it to God, asking Him to reveal His purpose in His time.
Luke 2:6–7 (ESV): "And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn."
Even when Mary and Joseph finally arrived in Bethlehem, the inn was full. So, they found lodging in a stable, a place where the animals were kept. Mary and Joseph had plenty of opportunity to grumble and complain. Yet, it was all part of God’s unexpected plans.
God often works through humble beginnings so we realize the power of His plan. Don’t despise small or humble beginnings in your life or ministry. Trust that God can use them for His glory. Ask God to show you how He is working through the unexpected in your life.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV): "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich."
Jesus willingly stepped into the messiness of our world to bring salvation. He laid everything down so we might be rich in eternity. Think about a messy area in your life. Thank God that He is working in and through it.
Application
In your prayer time this week, ask God to give you the faith to trust His plans, even when they seem unexpected. Look for opportunities to encourage others by sharing how God has used challenges in your life for His purposes. Trust God’s unexpected plans.
Share the Good News of Peace
Luke 2:8–9 (ESV): "And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear."
God chose shepherds, an occupation that was lowly and even dangerous, to receive the first announcement of Jesus’ birth. This demonstrates that the gospel is for everyone, regardless of status. It provides for us an example of reaching out to those who may feel forgotten or left out. Pray about who you can invite to church to hear about Jesus this Christmas season.
Luke 2:10–11 (ESV): "And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'"
The angel’s announcement made it clear that the gospel is for all people. Salvation through Jesus is available to everyone, regardless of nationality, status, or background. The gospel is good news that brings great joy, for it transforms lives. The angel also made it clear that baby Jesus was the Savior, Christ the prophesied Messiah, and the Lord.
If you’ve been praying with our Five Friends Focus, this is a season to take action and invite them to church for this Christmas series. There are two more Sundays to go.
Luke 2:13–14 (ESV): "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!'"
The angelic choir praised God for sending Jesus to save humanity. The peace the angels sang about was the peace that comes when a person’s sins are forgiven through faith in Jesus. They are no longer enemies of God but have peace as children of God. This peace is offered to all but is experienced only by those with whom He is pleased.
God is pleased with those who believe in Jesus and surrender their lives to Him. They live in and pass on the peace of God to a world filled with conflict. God calls us to share the good news of peace.
Application
Seek God’s peace in your own heart and ask Him to remove worry and anxiety. As you pray each morning, ask God to fill your heart with His peace and give you opportunities to share it with others. The peace of God is a supernatural peace that guards and protects us. Everyone is yearning for peace in their lives, and Jesus is the only answer. Ask God for opportunities to share about your peace with someone who may be struggling.
Respond to the Good News of Jesus’ Birth
Luke 2:15–16 (ESV): "When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.' And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger."
The shepherds didn’t delay; they immediately acted on the message they had received. I suspect that they just left their sheep alone and trusted that God would take care of them. They believed the angelic message and responded at once. Faith requires action.
In the same way, we must be intentional in responding to God’s Word. When He speaks to us, we must act promptly and trust Him with the results. Procrastination is a temptation that often leads to not taking action. Reflect on one area where God is prompting you to act, whether in obedience, generosity, or service. Take a step of faith this week.
Luke 2:17 (ESV): "And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child."
The shepherds couldn’t keep the good news to themselves; they shared it with Mary and Joseph. The shepherds shared their joy with the parents and with everyone else. Joy in Christ is meant to overflow into telling others the good news. Who can you share a story of God’s goodness with this week?
Luke 2:20 (ESV): "And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them."
True worship flows from a heart that has encountered Jesus. The shepherds returned to their sheep and their daily lives filled with gratitude and praise. Worship is not just to be a Sunday event. God desires for our worship to be a daily practice. Think of three ways that God has blessed you and spend time praising Him for His goodness.
Like the shepherds, God calls us to respond to the good news of Jesus’ birth.
Application
Think about how you can respond to the good news of Jesus’ birth. Whether it is through worship, sharing your testimony, or taking a step of obedience, respond with intention. Let your response glorify God and inspire others.
Conclusion
As we close, let’s return to the picture of the King in a manger. Jesus’ humble birth in a stable reveals the heart of God’s plan. It reminds us that true greatness is found in humility, and true peace is found in surrendering to Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Jesus’ birth in a manger teaches us that God often works in ways that surprise us. The Roman census, a simple stable, and the shepherds—all unexpected. Yet, God was orchestrating His perfect plan to bring salvation to the world.
What unexpected situation in your life could God be using for His purposes? Trust Him to work through the challenges of life with His plan. The angels proclaimed peace to the shepherds, and that message is for us today. Jesus offers peace with God, peace in our hearts, and peace with others.
In a world full of conflict, we are called to share that good news. Who in your life needs to hear about the peace that Jesus brings? This week, take time to reach out to someone who needs encouragement and share the joy of Jesus’ birth.
The shepherds show us how to respond to the King in the manger. They didn’t just see Jesus—they spread the word and glorified God. What step can you take this week to respond to the message of Christmas?
As we go about this Christmas season, let the King in the manger transform how we live, love, and worship. Trust Him in the unexpected, proclaim His peace boldly, and glorify Him in everything you do.
