The Manger And The Gift Of Diapers?

The Manger and the Gift of Diapers?

In a cartoon capturing the innocence of little ones, three small boys come to the manger scene bearing gifts. The first two are holding gold and frankincense, the gifts of the Bible story. But the third little boy is more practical. He comes with a box of disposable diapers! I bet that would have put a smile on Mary’s face. This gift would have been one of practical love. Practical love is the kind of love that meets needs.

The gift of Jesus we celebrate at Christmas was given out of God’s practical love for us. Galatians 4:4 states, “When the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law.” God’s practical love is a tangible love. It is incarnational love. It is the love of Christmas.

Is there a way you can lavish practical love on your family this Christmas? Practical love may involve sacrifice. Sacrifice was required when God made his love practical by giving his Son to die in our place. Sacrifice was required when the Son of God left heaven’s glory to take on flesh. Consider Luke 2:6-7 and the vast exchange Jesus made for you and me—the throne of heaven for a feeding trough for livestock: “While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them” (NIV).

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Luke 2:6-7, NIV