Did you 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!! 
Driller's Place 
Learned something new this morning thanks to you! I didn’t know they used stone mangers and I didn’t know that about the lambs bred for slaughter.
What Child is This is one of my all time favorites. Very emotional still.
And Amy Grant, what a talent she is and what a lot she has been through.
I am not familiar with the Ball Brothers but wow, they are fantastic. I love this restrained song they sing here.
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The story was news to me, so I felt like sharing it here.
Amy Grant has been quite a lady for quite some time.
We have seen the Ball Brothers several times in concert and they are fun to see in person.
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I did not know that. Nice song choices. I went with an Amy Grant today too.
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You just can’t go wrong with Amy Grant.
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nice song choices
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Thank you. Glad you enjoyed your visit today. Come again soon.
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I didn’t know this about the manger either, but now I do. Thank you for the history lesson.
I love all three videos. You know how I love your Christmas Music Marathons.
Have a blessed day and week, my friend. ♥
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The manger story was news to me as well.
Glad you have enjoyed the marathon all these years. This one is winding down.
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great choices, an the Ball Brothers puts a nice jazzy spin on the holiday!
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The Ball Brothers are a great Southern Gospel group.
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Nice choices. You can never go wrong with “What Child is This” but Amy Grant was my favorite of the three selections today. Alana ramblinwitham
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You really can’t go wrong with Amy Grant. Jordan Smith is a past winner of The Voice and I think this song fits him very well.
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You are my brother in the Lord… my friend, and brother may your family be blessed by the Lord. God bless you and your whole family at this blessed time. Thank you for sharing your tunes with us all. Amen Merry Christmas to you and yours!!! May the Lord see fit to bless us all during these hard, and blessed times. May we all stand together and love one another always! Amen
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Proud to be a brother to all fellow believers. Thrilled to be able to share my message and favorite Christmas songs with all who stop by this time of year. May you and yours have the Merriest Christmas ever and the best New Year you have ever experienced.
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Back at ya my fellow brother always, and for as long as you’ll have me. God speed, and the Merriest Christmas for you and yours always! Thank you so much and keep your messages coming my dearest brother! God speed and the merriest Christmas for you and yours always and the best healthiest and happy New Year my brother! HUGS all around! You have put a really big smile on this face. God speed and Merry Christmas for you and your family. Amen
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What a picture, a perfect lamb in the manger. Thank you, for explaining that and for the music.
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When I read the story, I just had to share it with those who stop by here. Thank you for your visit and may you and yours have a very Merry Christmas.
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Back at ya my friend, and may the perpetual light shine upon you and yours! Amen
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We enjoyed seeing a wide variety of manger scenes on our road trip. Some where tiny, some old, some were absolutely larger than life. To our surprise, even Graceland has a massive manger scene out front. We love seeing them around to remind us of the Christmas reason for the season.
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