In the quiet glow of this scene—a tiny face wrapped in simple cloth, resting on straw—we remember the most sublime truth: the King of Heaven chose a manger. The sign to the shepherds still speaks to every humble heart: “Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:7, 12). Heaven’s majesty arrived in meekness so He could meet us in our lowliest places.
Prophets foresaw Him: “Unto us a child is born…The mighty God” (Isaiah 9:6). Nephi beheld “the condescension of God” (1 Nephi 11), and an American prophet foretold a new star (Helaman 14:2–5)—a witness fulfilled the night when “there was no darkness” at His birth (3 Nephi 1:19–21). King Benjamin testified that Jesus Christ would come “to suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue…that the word might be fulfilled” (Mosiah 3:5–8). Alma added that because He would “take upon him” our pains and sins, He is perfectly able “to succor his people” (Alma 7:11–12).
If God descended to a crib of hay, then no circumstance is beneath His notice and no soul beyond His reach. He invites us to come as we are—tired, burdened, hopeful—promising rest and a yoke made light (Matthew 11:28–30). What can we bring to this manger? A broken heart and a contrite spirit (3 Nephi 9:20). What shall we do because of it? Bear His light to others—quiet kindness, forgiven debts, mended relationships—for “the light…shineth in darkness” (John 1:5; see D&C 88:6, 11–13).
Tonight, let the straw and the swaddling remind us why we sing: we talk of Christ, rejoice in Christ, and preach of Christ so our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins (2 Nephi 25:26). He came into the world to redeem us (D&C 19:16–19). He still comes—to your home, your heart, your need.
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