Christmas Song Countdown: #8 Away in a Manger

One of the very first Christmas Songs I remember learning as a child was "Away in a Manger".  Casting Crowns' version takes me back to those days. Their style is very simple, yet powerful.  The song addresses our Lord's humble beginnings on earth. It also captures the beauty of God's love as He came down to earth to live as a Man so that one day we may live with Him.  I love the end of the verse, "...and fit us for heaven to live with thee there."   That's my prayer today - that we would all be fit for Heaven to live with Him there.  How do you become fit for heaven?  By placing your trust in this same baby this song addresses.  Jesus Christ, born to a virgin, was completely man and completely God at the same time.  He faced all the temptations we do as men and women, yet He lived a perfect life without sin.  But God had to have someone pay for all the sin, past, present and future.  Your sin, my sin and everyone's sin had to be paid for, for the Bible says the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).   Jesus died on the cross and at that moment, God poured His wrath on sin out and sin was defeated.  Sin of the past, present and future was all paid in full by Jesus' death.  Then to prove He had power over death, Jesus rose from the grave on the third day and now is seated with our Heavenly Father at His right hand.

To be fit for Heaven, you simply need to believe that you are a sinner, that you've fallen short of God's perfect standard (we all have - All have sinned and fall short of God's glory - Romans 3:23).  You also need to believe that Jesus paid the price for your sin and place your faith, your hope in Him.  You can simply pray to God, ask Him to forgive you and tell Him you believe the Jesus is His son, that you believe He died on the cross for you and that God rose Him from the dead on the third day.  Ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior and thank Him for saving you.

I've done that and it changed my life over 5 years ago.  It can change your life forever, too.  What a better time to do it than now?

Merry Christmas!

Away in a Manger
by Casting Crowns