Advent through the Alphabet

is for Cradle.              

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. – Luke 2:7

DISCUSS: Where did you sleep when you were born? Did you sleep in your parent’s room or your own? Was there anything special about your first cradle or crib?

A cradle is a bed for a baby. It is a safe place for a baby to sleep. Babies need a special, safe place because they are small, weak, and fragile. They cannot protect themselves from danger. Really, they cannot do anything on their own without the help of their parents.

Jesus was a baby. Let me say that again because it is so fascinating to think about. Jesus was a baby. Jesus, who is God, was there in the beginning of time. He was a powerful part of creation. He made the earth and everything in it, He made the stars and the wonders of the galaxy. And in Luke 2:7 we read that He was a baby, and His mom wrapped Him up to keep Him warm and placed Him in a manger.

Jesus didn’t even have a cradle when He was born. He was born in a barn and placed in an animal’s feeding trough. The God of the universe, who made everything became a small, week, fragile baby.

And He did it for you!

He knew that you (and me, and all of us) would struggle with sin. He knew that you (and me, and all of us) would die forever if someone didn’t save us. Jesus didn’t want that to happen.

Because of His great big love, He became a baby, He died on the cross, and He rose again. So that you can live forever.

Let that sink in. The God of the universe did all of that, for you.

PRAYER: Dear God. Thank you for thinking of me. And for sending Your son, to save me. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.