Jesus Christ:
More Than Just A “Babe In A Manger”

Many people sincerely believe that Christmas is the birthday of Christ. Such an idea, of course, is not supported from God’s word. Although the Bible does not tell us exactly on what day Jesus was born, this season would be the least likely time of year in which the Savior came into the world. The shepherds to whom the angels announced His birth would not likely be “abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night” in the middle of winter (Lk. 2:8). In any case, one of the most abiding symbols of the “religious” aspect of Christmas is the “babe in a manger.” The “babe in a manger” scene is attractive for several reasons. First, babies are cute! There is something attractive about the appearance of most babies. Also, the physical aspect of Christ’s birth is an amazing account, being “wrapped…in swaddling clothes, and laid…in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn” (Lk. 2:7). However, could it be that many people are attracted to the “babe in a manger” scene because a baby is docile and undemanding (unless, of course, we are its mother)? Unfortunately, many today see Jesus as only a “babe in a manger” at Christmas time, and that is it, nothing more and nothing less! Let us realize that Jesus is much more than just a “babe in a manger.”

Jesus Christ Is God In Flesh

This “babe in a manger” is more than just any cute little baby. He is God in flesh! “In flesh” is what such terms as incarnate and the incarnation mean. The fact that Jesus is God in the flesh is proven from the virgin birth. Isaiah prophesied over seven hundred years before His birth, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isa. 7:14). This prophecy was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. When Joseph discovered that Mary was pregnant and he knew that he had not had sexual relations with her, he desired to put her away. However, “while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Mt. 1:20-23). Note again the meaning of the name Emmanuel—“God with us”! In a similar prophecy Isaiah also said, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6). Again, note especially the titles “The mighty God” and “The everlasting Father”! When Jesus lived upon this earth, He astonished the people by referring to God as “my Father” (Mt. 7:21 [cf. 7:28-29]; 10:33, etc.), and by referring to Himself as the “Son of God” (Lk. 22:70; Jn. 3:18). The Jews of Jesus’ day knew that for one to make such claims was the same as claiming that one was deity (cf. Jn. 5:18; 19:7). For anyone else to make such claims, it would be blasphemy, but not for Jesus. He is more than just a “babe in a manger”—He is God in flesh!

Jesus Christ Is A Lion

Jesus as a lamb is familiar to most of us (Jn. 1:29; 1 Pet. 1:18-19, etc.). At least part of the lamb imagery, like that of the “babe in a manger,” reminds us of a docile, undemanding creature. In some ways this does relate to Jesus Christ. However, we must realize that Jesus is also referred to as a “lion.” The apostle John was banished to the isle of Patmos “for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Rev. 1:9). While there, he saw marvelous visions. After seeing the throne scene of God, he saw “in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals” (Rev. 5:1). A “strong angel” asked, “Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?” (Rev. 5:2). John “wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. 5And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof” (Rev. 5:4-5). The “lion of the tribe of Judah” is a Messianic title taken from Genesis 49:8-10, where Judah is called a “lion’s whelp…a lion…an old lion.” Judah is said to be the tribe from which the “scepter shall not depart.” The lion is a symbol of kingship (cf. “king of the forest”), and the “scepter” is the symbol of kingly rule. Jesus, of course, is the King. As King, Jesus has all authority (Mt. 28:18). He has the right to require us to keep His will (Lk. 6:46), and His will is the Father’s (Mt. 7:21-23). His “commandments are not grievous” if we love Him (1 Jn. 5:3). If we do not obey His gospel, however, we will be lost. Jesus will be our Judge on that Last Day (Jn. 5:28-29), and “the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thes. 1:7-8). Jesus is more than just a “babe in a manger”—He is the “lion of the tribe of Judah”!

Though Jesus began His life in flesh as a cute little “babe in a manger,” He is also the Son of God. Though He gave Himself as a docile lamb, He is also the “lion of the tribe of Judah.” What is our view of Jesus right now? Is He nothing more than a cute symbol of the season, or is He the Supreme King of our lives? Be assured: He is more than a “babe in a manger”!

 Brian Kenyon