Lesson 258: The Child in the Hay

Army of Tennessee Chaplain David Chaltas

 

THE CHILD IN THE HAY

 

He was awakened by sounds that were strangely familiar to him, yet they seemed so new.  He did not know from whence the sounds came.  He felt a freshness that stirred his spirit, as he was nestled within an object surrounded by a sensation of soft soothing warmth. The aromas surrounding him were unrecognizable but his senses danced with delight and he felt safe and sound. 

 

Suddenly he was lifted up by strong arms and cuddled with tenderness.  His eyes sparkled as he gazed into loving eyes that offered him such comfort.  He was surrounded by twinkling lights and felt the crispness of the night upon his face.  He was bordered by giants and strange creations that bowed down at his crib.  Above him a light from the heavens had led three men of knowledge to his side.  They too bowed and offered sweet fragrances to his liking.  Some giants carried large objects in the hand and had a curve at the very top.    They were all strangers, though the scene felt so proverbial. 

 

The colossal holding him, gently laid him down and he noted a warm glowing sensation that he was acquainted from a previous occasion that had no end.  He was keenly aware that he was destined for something that would change the world but for now, he was content to be surrounded by the warmth of those worshiping him.  He was the child in the straw and because of his love; our world would be forevermore changed for the better.  The child in the hay was none other than the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Emanuel, the Lord of Hosts, The Alpha and Omega, the Lamb of God and Savior; Jesus, the Christ child. 

 

I often wondered and wandered about the child in the hay.  What was He thinking?  Did He recall His father’s, our fathers, love?  God’s only begotten Son was born on Christmas Day to save us all from our transgressions.  He was born to die in our place.  He was the perfect sacrifice for mankind.  He gave all for us. 

 

The story of Christmas recalls the joy and peace that was delivered unto us by the child in the straw.   In Luke, the second chapter, the Bible states:

 “¹And it came to pass in those days, that here went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.  ²(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)  ³And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.  ⁴And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)   ⁵To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.  ⁶And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  ⁷And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.  ⁸And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  ⁹And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  ¹⁰And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  ¹¹For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  ¹²And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  ¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ¹⁴Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. ¹⁵And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.  ¹⁶And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. ¹⁷And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.  ¹⁸And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.  ¹⁹But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.  ²⁰And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”

During a time of political correctness and more bothersome confusion, can we not stand up for Jesus as we bow to His cross?  Can we not proclaim Him as did the angels and declare, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  Wishing you and yours a Merry CHRISTmas from the general and family.