Let Jesus Grow Up in Your Life
Let’s take a moment to imagine that night in Bethlehem. The town was bustling with people there for the census, and in the middle of all the noise and chaos, a quiet but world-changing event was taking place. Mary and Joseph, unable to find lodging, were likely in a stable or cave, surrounded by the earthy smell of animals and the flicker of lamplight. And there, in that humble setting, Mary gave birth to Jesus, her firstborn son, wrapping Him in strips of cloth and laying Him in a manger.
Luke 2:6-7 gives us this glimpse: “And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born; and she gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn.” The simplicity of this verse hides the weight of its meaning. The Creator of the universe came into our world not in a palace or with grand announcements to royalty but in the most unassuming way possible. That’s the God we serve—a Savior who humbles Himself to meet us where we are.
Here’s something fascinating: those “blankets” Mary used were actually strips of cloth, a common custom in the Middle East even today. Wrapping a baby like this gave warmth and security, and people believed it protected their internal organs. Isn’t it remarkable that even in these small details, we see the care and love surrounding Jesus’ arrival? From the start, He was wrapped in the ordinary, yet everything about Him was extraordinary.
When we think about Jesus’ birth, it’s easy to let the image of a peaceful nativity scene become our entire picture of Him. The baby in the manger, surrounded by angels, shepherds, and animals, is such a comforting image. But here’s the thing—we can’t leave Jesus in the manger. That’s only the beginning of His story. The child born in Bethlehem grew up to live a perfect, sinless life, teaching and healing, showing us what it means to live in obedience to God. He willingly died on the cross for our sins, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven. And one day, He’ll return—not as a baby, but as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
This means that our relationship with Jesus has to grow, too. We can’t keep Him as just “baby Jesus” in our minds. That image might be sweet and comforting, but it’s incomplete. Jesus isn’t just a symbol of peace and innocence; He’s the Savior of the world. He’s the one who conquered death and offers us eternal life. If we only see Him as the baby in the manger, we risk underestimating who He truly is and what He wants to do in our lives.
Think about it like this: when a baby is born, there’s so much joy and hope for their future. But imagine if that child never grew up. Wouldn’t that feel like an incomplete story? The same goes for our spiritual lives. We celebrate Jesus’ birth, but we’re also called to follow Him as our risen Lord. He’s not just a baby—He’s our Redeemer, our Shepherd, our King.
So here’s the question: Is Jesus growing up in your life? Are you letting Him guide you, challenge you, and transform you? Or are you keeping Him boxed into the image of that baby in the manger? Don’t underestimate Him. He came to bring hope, joy, and salvation, but He also came to rule in our hearts and lives. Let Him take His rightful place as Lord in your life today.
As we celebrate Christmas, let’s take a moment to move beyond the manger. The beauty of Jesus’ birth is that it was only the beginning. When we open our hearts to Him, we’re inviting not just the baby born in Bethlehem, but the Savior who has the power to change everything. Let Him grow in your life, and watch how He brings new meaning, direction, and hope into your journey.
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For further reading, explore this article on the significance of Jesus’ birth: “Why Jesus Was Born in a Manger”.