Genesis Tree Financial LLC

I’ve heard the Christmas story all my life, but this article I copied from a friends page taught me a few things about what the swaddled babe in the manger represented to the people of that time.

God continues to amaze me.

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I bet you didn’t know the following about the manger that Jesus was laid in.

Of course mangers are animal feeding troughs but in ancient Israel they were made of stone - not what you would see in a modern day nativity scene. Not comfortable, but great for protection.

That’s why those who were experts in this matter, the priests, would put their newborn lambs in them for protection. But not just any lamb, the unblemished perfect lambs that were used in the sacrifice for sins. And Bethlehem, where Jesus was born was FAMOUS for their UNBLEMISHED LAMBS used for the sacrifice.

These lambs had to be perfect so they would wrap them tightly in cloth and lie them in the manger to keep them safe. This is exactly why the only time mangers are mentioned in Jesus’ birth story it is being told to shepherds.

In Luke 2 it says “This will be a sign for you, you will find a baby wrapped in cloth and lying in a manger.” The shepherds would have understood this powerful parallel! THEY KNEW what the cloth and the manger meant! This baby would be THE PERFECT LAMB OF GOD! The Messiah who would sacrifice His life for the sins of the whole world.

He wasn’t just a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger, He was GOD: perfect, sinless and Holy, humbling Himself to become the perfect sacrifice to reconcile us back to Himself!!

THAT my friend, that Perfect Lamb, is WHY we celebrate Christmas!!

Will you be hungry next week?

Many of you know, and many of you don't, I'm the Board Chair for Helping Hands High Point, Inc. We provide food and emergency financial assistance to local families in need.

In my years at Helping Hands, I've never seen a time of greater need. Even during the pandemic. We are hitting new records each week.

A year ago we typically served around 90 families a week. This week - so far - we have served 234, and we have two pickup times and our home deliveries yet to go!

Our shelves are nearly empty, and we need help.

If you, your family, friends, co-workers, church or civic group has a heart for feeding hungry people, now would be a great time to do a food drive, or to donate funds so we have money to buy at wholesale prices.

www.helpinghandshighpoint.org to donate or to contact us to coordinate food drop off or pickup.

It's a great way to TRULY celebrate Thanksgiving!

Helping Hands High Point, Inc.