A KING BORN IN A MANGER

Title: A KING BORN IN A MANGER

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 2:7
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 9:6-7, Philippians 2:6-8, Matthew 2:1-6

INTRODUCTION:
The birth of Jesus Christ in a lowly manger stands as one of the greatest paradoxes of history. A King, foretold as the ruler of all nations, was born in the humblest of circumstances. This message explores the significance of this divine plan, revealing how humility, purpose, and redemption were central to the coming of our Saviour.

1. THE HUMILITY OF THE KING

a) Born in a Lowly Manger
Jesus was not born in a palace but in a manger, symbolising humility (Luke 2:7).

b) A King for All People
His humble birth made Him accessible to all, both rich and poor (2 Corinthians 8:9).

c) Rejecting Earthly Glory
Jesus chose to identify with humanity rather than seeking worldly splendour (Philippians 2:7).

d) The Fulfilment of Prophecy
His humility was prophesied long before His birth (Isaiah 53:2-3).

e) Biblical Example: The shepherds, lowly themselves, were the first to hear of His birth (Luke 2:8-20).

2. THE PURPOSE OF HIS COMING

a) To Save Humanity
Jesus came to save us from our sins and restore us to God (Matthew 1:21).

b) To Bring Peace
He is the Prince of Peace, offering reconciliation with God (Isaiah 9:6).

c) To Establish His Kingdom
His reign is eternal, founded on righteousness and justice (Isaiah 9:7).

d) To Fulfil God’s Plan
Jesus' birth was the fulfilment of God's redemptive plan (Galatians 4:4-5).

e) Biblical Example: Simeon recognised Jesus as God’s salvation for all people (Luke 2:25-32).

3. THE LESSONS FROM THE MANGER

a) God’s Power in Weakness
The manger teaches us that God’s strength is made perfect in humility (2 Corinthians 12:9).

b) True Leadership Serves
Jesus, the King, came to serve rather than to be served (Mark 10:45).

c) God’s Plans Are Unique
The circumstances of His birth remind us that God’s ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).

d) God Values the Ordinary
The manger shows that God can use the simplest places and people for His glory (1 Corinthians 1:27).

e) Biblical Example: Mary and Joseph trusted God’s unusual plan, despite its challenges (Luke 2:1-7).

4. THE RESPONSE TO THE KING

a) Worship
Like the wise men, we must worship Jesus with our hearts and gifts (Matthew 2:11).

b) Obedience
Respond to His call to follow Him in all areas of life (John 10:27).

c) Faith
Trust in Him as the Saviour and King of your life (Hebrews 11:6).

d) Sharing the Good News
Like the shepherds, share the joy of His birth with others (Luke 2:17-18).

e) Biblical Example: The wise men travelled far and offered costly gifts to honour Him (Matthew 2:1-12).

5. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE KING IN YOUR LIFE

a) A Personal Saviour
Jesus came for you personally, to redeem you from sin (John 3:16).

b) The Light of the World
He dispels darkness and brings clarity to your life (John 8:12).

c) The Hope of Glory
His birth is a promise of eternal hope (Colossians 1:27).

d) Your Prince of Peace
He gives peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

e) Biblical Example: The angelic host declared His birth as good news for all people (Luke 2:10-14).

CONCLUSION:
The King born in a manger came to transform lives, reconcile humanity to God, and establish His eternal Kingdom. His humble beginning is a call for us to embrace humility, trust God’s plan, and honour Him as the King of our lives. This Christmas, let us celebrate Jesus not just as a baby in a manger but as the King and Saviour who reigns in our hearts.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Father, thank You for sending Jesus as my King and Saviour.

2. Lord, help me to embrace the humility of Christ in my life.

3. Father, let Your purpose for my life be fulfilled, just as Christ fulfilled His.

4. Lord, reign as King over every area of my life.

5. Father, teach me to value the ordinary and see Your power in weakness.

6. Lord, help me to respond to You with worship, faith, and obedience.

7. Father, let the light of Christ shine in and through me this season.

8. Lord, give me the grace to share the good news of Jesus with others.

9. Father, fill my heart with the peace that only Christ can bring.

10. Lord, may this Christmas deepen my relationship with You as my King.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. I declare that Jesus will reign as King over your life.

2. May the humility of Christ be a hallmark of your walk with God.

3. The purpose of God for your life will not be cut short.

4. You will experience the peace and joy that Christ’s reign brings.

5. Your life will reflect the light and glory of Christ.

6. This Christmas will be a season of spiritual renewal for you.

7. You will worship Christ with all your heart and substance.

8. The good news of Jesus will flow through you to impact others.

9. God will use the ordinary areas of your life to display His extraordinary power.

10. The King born in a manger will establish His eternal Kingdom in your heart.