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Child in the Manger
What is Christmas? For many it is a time for holidays, parties, family gatherings, gifts, meals together, music, and special events. For others it can mean unwanted pressure, an increased sense of loneliness, family squabbles, and crowded shops. For those living in the Northern Hemisphere, Christmas takes place at the onset of winter with its cold weather and short days. There are more incidents of depression at Christmas time than at any other time of the year. It is the best of times for some, but the worst of times for others to borrow a phrase from Charles Dickens.
The birth of Jesus divided history into two major epochs. Until the dawn of our hyper-sensitive age, even the way we dated events underscored this. From time immemorial every day, every week, every month, every year has been described as either 'B.C.' ('Before Christ') or 'A.D.' (Anno Domini, 'in the year of our Lord'). Even the modern, pluralistic style abbreviations, B.C.E. ('Before the Common Era') and C.E. ('Common Era'), cannot obliterate the indelible impress of Jesus birth. For what makes the 'Common Era' so 'common'? And what explains the dividing line date? The answer is the same: the birth of Jesus. At the very centre of history stands the person of Jesus Christ. And he does so because he is at the centre of God s story.
The birth of Jesus divided history into two major epochs. Until the dawn of our hyper-sensitive age, even the way we dated events underscored this. From time immemorial every day, every week, every month, every year has been described as either 'B.C.' ('Before Christ') or 'A.D.' (Anno Domini, 'in the year of our Lord'). Even the modern, pluralistic style abbreviations, B.C.E. ('Before the Common Era') and C.E. ('Common Era'), cannot obliterate the indelible impress of Jesus birth. For what makes the 'Common Era' so 'common'? And what explains the dividing line date? The answer is the same: the birth of Jesus. At the very centre of history stands the person of Jesus Christ. And he does so because he is at the centre of God s story.
216 pages, Hardcover
First published November 17, 2015
11 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Sinclair B. Ferguson
218 books553 followersSinclair B. Ferguson is Associate Preacher at St Peter's Free Church in Dundee and also Distinguished Visiting Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was Senior Minister of First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, South Carolina and prior to that, he was minister of St. George's-Tron Church in Glasgow.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 20, 2022
Each year during the advent season I like to read a book or two about the real meaning of Christmas. This is one of the best I’ve read so far.
[Edit 12/19/22]:
Reread again in 2022, and enjoyed it all over again.
Ferguson quoted from a John Piper book, “The Innkeeper,” and I think I’ll need to read that one next year.
I thought I’d also tack on this passage I found interesting, even if it doesn’t seem terribly Christmasy:
[Edit 12/19/22]:
Reread again in 2022, and enjoyed it all over again.
Ferguson quoted from a John Piper book, “The Innkeeper,” and I think I’ll need to read that one next year.
I thought I’d also tack on this passage I found interesting, even if it doesn’t seem terribly Christmasy:
Whenever we find a doctrine to be challenging to us, the most helpful question we can ask is: 'What did Jesus think of this? How did it work out in his life?'
When we ask those questions in connection with God's foreordination and predestination, and search the Scriptures to see how they worked out in Jesus' life, what do we discover?
There was never a man so conscious that his life had been predestined by God as the Lord Jesus Christ. But this did not turn him into an automaton, or a mere puppet. God's predestination is not biological determinism, nor is it a form of fatalism.
There was, surely, never a freer man, or one more conscious that his actions were his responsibility than our Lord Jesus Christ. He did not become our Saviour by accident on the one hand or merely as a machine on the other. He was destined to be our Saviour; and to that destiny he freely committed himself. He neither saw nor felt any contradiction between God's sovereignty in his life and his own responsibility for his actions. Neither need we.
December 14, 2020
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book. I hadn’t anticipated that the birth of Jesus would be so informative. It dug in more deeply with facts of the times and related scriptures in the Old Testament that gave authenticity with the foretelling of the events surrounding Christ’s birth. I was awed and blessed.
December 11, 2024
Worth reading during Advent.
November 21, 2022
Why I read this book: Child in the Manger - The True Meaning of Christmas was a Truth for Life resource that I decided to use in conjunction with my 2021 Advent readings.
Format: Paperback.
Synopsis: Child in the Manger answers the question “What is Christmas all about?" Sinclair Ferguson uses Scripture to explain the meaning of Christmas, and how the Gospel permeates everything about it.
What I Thought: Slight disclaimer: this was one book too many for me to read during the Advent season. Because I was trying to read too many books at once, I didn’t benefit from it as much as I could have.
Overall this was a really good book, and because Sinclair kept pointing the reader to Christ dying to save sinners, it could really be read at any time of the year. Child in the Manger covers what most Christians would consider all of the traditional Christmas events, but because of the Gospel focus, they are not discussed in a strictly chronological order. This made it a little difficult for me to follow. I’m not trying to complain here - it was entirely my fault for reading too many books at once. Possibly the only downside to having Christmas parents and going to church my entire life is my great familiarity with contents of the Bible. Having things in a somewhat different order than I am used to is very helpful and gets me to think about things from a different perspective, or even consider things I might never have thought of otherwise.
Sinclair Ferguson relied primarily on Scripture to make his points; many passages were printed in the book. There were also plenty of footnotes with more scriptures to look up. The footnote texts were on the same page as the footnote reference, so I didn’t have to flip to the back of the book for them.
The Bottom Line: There were a few points where I disagree with or question statements Ferguson made. They are minor enough that I would have no problem reading this book again or recommending it to anyone questioning why we celebrate Christmas.
Format: Paperback.
Synopsis: Child in the Manger answers the question “What is Christmas all about?" Sinclair Ferguson uses Scripture to explain the meaning of Christmas, and how the Gospel permeates everything about it.
What I Thought: Slight disclaimer: this was one book too many for me to read during the Advent season. Because I was trying to read too many books at once, I didn’t benefit from it as much as I could have.
Overall this was a really good book, and because Sinclair kept pointing the reader to Christ dying to save sinners, it could really be read at any time of the year. Child in the Manger covers what most Christians would consider all of the traditional Christmas events, but because of the Gospel focus, they are not discussed in a strictly chronological order. This made it a little difficult for me to follow. I’m not trying to complain here - it was entirely my fault for reading too many books at once. Possibly the only downside to having Christmas parents and going to church my entire life is my great familiarity with contents of the Bible. Having things in a somewhat different order than I am used to is very helpful and gets me to think about things from a different perspective, or even consider things I might never have thought of otherwise.
Sinclair Ferguson relied primarily on Scripture to make his points; many passages were printed in the book. There were also plenty of footnotes with more scriptures to look up. The footnote texts were on the same page as the footnote reference, so I didn’t have to flip to the back of the book for them.
The Bottom Line: There were a few points where I disagree with or question statements Ferguson made. They are minor enough that I would have no problem reading this book again or recommending it to anyone questioning why we celebrate Christmas.
December 17, 2019
The writings of Sinclair Ferguson are grounded solidly in God's Word. He has a way to make one think about the topic at hand through the filter of God's Word. With a combination of hymns, history, and digging into the text of God's Word, Ferguson brings out the true meaning of Christmas.
There were quite a few thoughts re: the Biblical Christmas story that I had never considered before brought to light through this book. I also loved that he ended the book with a plea to the reader to turn to Jesus Christ for salvation.
I highly recommend this book for any Christian to read or to give away as a gift!
There were quite a few thoughts re: the Biblical Christmas story that I had never considered before brought to light through this book. I also loved that he ended the book with a plea to the reader to turn to Jesus Christ for salvation.
I highly recommend this book for any Christian to read or to give away as a gift!
November 20, 2017
Encouraging meditations and expositions on the birth and incarnation of Jesus. I loved how centered he is on the texts. I wish the book would have been organized differently and finished a section of scripture like Matthew or Luke instead of jumping around. Otherwise this is a sweet book.
December 25, 2017
Every December I try to read a devotional book that will help me focus on the meaning of Christmas. Child in the Manger is far and away the BEST yet. Will now be my standard go-to Christmas read. Very highly recommended!!
July 27, 2021
great read. it does deep dives in theology but reads like a casual conversation over coffee.
November 18, 2018
Sinclair Ferguson is one of our day’s best Reformed theologians. I have read many of his books and heard him speak many times at the Ligonier National Conference. He has been a pastor and seminary professor in numerous churches and seminaries throughout the world, and is also a Ligonier Teaching Fellow. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed and was blessed by this book.
Dr. Ferguson writes that this book sets out to explore the question of the real meaning of Christmas. He tells us that when we find the answer we realize that it isn’t only for the Christmas season. He states that at the center of history stands the person of Jesus Christ. He does so because he is at the center of God’s story. Christ who is the creator of all things has entered his own creation in order to become our Savior. That is what gives Christmas meaning. It is what gives history and our lives meaning too.
He writes that the heart of the Christmas message is a baby bound in swaddling bands and lying in a wooden manger, who is destined to be bound again later in life and laid upon wood on the cross of Calvary. He tells us that the meaning of Christmas is this: the Light of the world has come into the darkness of the world, in order to bring light into the darkness of our hearts, and to illuminate them with the grace of forgiveness. He tells us that Christmas is not coming, but it has already come. The Word already has been made flesh. He already has lived, bled, died, and risen again for us. Now all that remains is to receive him. For Jesus is the meaning of Christmas.
He tells us that Philippians 2:5-11, which he calls a bold, even a daring passage, tells the inside story of Christmas. As we mature as Christians, we begin to count others as more significant than ourselves. This is what the Christmas gospel does. Or to state it differently, this is what the Christ of Christmas does. But he does so only when we discover the true meaning of Christmas.
The author tells us that the New Testament does not obligate Christians to celebrate Christmas. However, he writes, the wisdom of the church throughout the ages suggests that if we do not celebrate the incarnation of Christ deliberately at some point in the year we may be in danger of doing it all too rarely, perhaps not at all.
In his writing and speaking, Dr. Ferguson has a wonderful way with words. Here is an example as he writes of the birth narrative: “The one who populated the forests with trees lies within the bark of one. The one who has always been face to face with his Father now stares into the face of his teenage mother. The one whom the heavens cannot contain is contained within a stable. He who cradles the universe is himself cradled in an animal’s feeding trough.”
Today, most people in the United States celebrate Christmas. The author states that they love to hear Christmas music, even to sing the familiar Christmas carols. But, he tells us, their hearts seem to go cold when they hear about the true meaning of Christmas, that Jesus came into the world to save sinners. The response is then, whether they say it or not, “Let’s sings the songs, but don’t talk to us about being saved from sin!” Let us enjoy Christmas without Christ!”
Finally, Dr. Ferguson tells us that the true meaning of Christmas is seeking, finding, trusting, and worshipping the Lord Jesus Christ.
I so enjoyed reading this book just a few weeks before we celebrate the birth of the One who came to save us from our sins. Ferguson writes about Jesus, “The heart of the Christmas message is a baby bound in swaddling bands and lying in a wooden manger who is destined to be bound again in later life and laid upon wood on the cross of Calvary.”
Dr. Ferguson writes that this book sets out to explore the question of the real meaning of Christmas. He tells us that when we find the answer we realize that it isn’t only for the Christmas season. He states that at the center of history stands the person of Jesus Christ. He does so because he is at the center of God’s story. Christ who is the creator of all things has entered his own creation in order to become our Savior. That is what gives Christmas meaning. It is what gives history and our lives meaning too.
He writes that the heart of the Christmas message is a baby bound in swaddling bands and lying in a wooden manger, who is destined to be bound again later in life and laid upon wood on the cross of Calvary. He tells us that the meaning of Christmas is this: the Light of the world has come into the darkness of the world, in order to bring light into the darkness of our hearts, and to illuminate them with the grace of forgiveness. He tells us that Christmas is not coming, but it has already come. The Word already has been made flesh. He already has lived, bled, died, and risen again for us. Now all that remains is to receive him. For Jesus is the meaning of Christmas.
He tells us that Philippians 2:5-11, which he calls a bold, even a daring passage, tells the inside story of Christmas. As we mature as Christians, we begin to count others as more significant than ourselves. This is what the Christmas gospel does. Or to state it differently, this is what the Christ of Christmas does. But he does so only when we discover the true meaning of Christmas.
The author tells us that the New Testament does not obligate Christians to celebrate Christmas. However, he writes, the wisdom of the church throughout the ages suggests that if we do not celebrate the incarnation of Christ deliberately at some point in the year we may be in danger of doing it all too rarely, perhaps not at all.
In his writing and speaking, Dr. Ferguson has a wonderful way with words. Here is an example as he writes of the birth narrative: “The one who populated the forests with trees lies within the bark of one. The one who has always been face to face with his Father now stares into the face of his teenage mother. The one whom the heavens cannot contain is contained within a stable. He who cradles the universe is himself cradled in an animal’s feeding trough.”
Today, most people in the United States celebrate Christmas. The author states that they love to hear Christmas music, even to sing the familiar Christmas carols. But, he tells us, their hearts seem to go cold when they hear about the true meaning of Christmas, that Jesus came into the world to save sinners. The response is then, whether they say it or not, “Let’s sings the songs, but don’t talk to us about being saved from sin!” Let us enjoy Christmas without Christ!”
Finally, Dr. Ferguson tells us that the true meaning of Christmas is seeking, finding, trusting, and worshipping the Lord Jesus Christ.
I so enjoyed reading this book just a few weeks before we celebrate the birth of the One who came to save us from our sins. Ferguson writes about Jesus, “The heart of the Christmas message is a baby bound in swaddling bands and lying in a wooden manger who is destined to be bound again in later life and laid upon wood on the cross of Calvary.”
December 13, 2018
Delightful read through the very foundations of Christmas. Ferguson's unique expository skill through the Old Testament and the New Testament to connect the dots that lead us to the Seed of the woman, the King of the universe revealing himself through numerous paradoxes (e.g.: the King of the universe born in a stable, etc.) is remarkable, and very helpful in setting the mind in the right place, not just in Advent season, but throughout the year. He helpfully reminds the reader of how essential it is to talk not only about the Virgin Birth, but primarily, and most importantly, of the Virgin Conception in Chapter six. It is a book that points us to the wonderful ways of God that are beyond our understanding. How God humbled himself to such a degree as to become one of us, humans, and to die for people who did not care for Him.
Throughout his writings, Ferguson intertwines poems, hymns, and quotes from of old into his arguments and narrative, in such a way as to make your heart sing. Here is one example:
"The converted slave trader knew that:
How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds
In a believer's ear!
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,
And drives away his fear.
It makes the wounded spirit whole,
And calms the troubled breast;
'Tis manna to the hungry soul,,
And to the weary, rest.
Dear Name! the rock on which I build,
My shield and hiding-place,
My never-failing treasury filled
With boundless stores of grace.
Jesus! My Shepherd, Brother, Friend,
My Prophet, Priest and King,
My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End,
Accept the praise I bring.
Perhaps Joseph could have sung that as a quiet lullaby to Jesus." (p.139)
And a final example to close:
"The nineteenth-century Scottish author and hymn-writer Horatius Bonar gives us good counsel:
We went to Bethlehem,
But found the Babe was gone,
The manger empty, and alone.
'And wither has He fled?'
'To Calvary', they said,
'To suffer in our stead.'
We went to Calvary,
But found the Sufferer gone,
The place all dark and lone.
'Whither?' we asked.
'Into the Heavens', they said,
'Up to the Throne,
For us to intercede.'
So, then, to Heaven, we'll go;
The Babe is not below.
We need to go to the living Christ. Have you gone to him? If not, go to him now, turning your back on your old life with all its sin, and guilt, with perhaps the shame you feel - and tun from years of hiding from God - and come in faith to trust Christ as your Saviour, and yield your whole life to him as your Lord.
Then, at last, you will discover the identity of the Child in the Manger and experience the true meaning of Christmas." (pp.202-203)
Throughout his writings, Ferguson intertwines poems, hymns, and quotes from of old into his arguments and narrative, in such a way as to make your heart sing. Here is one example:
"The converted slave trader knew that:
How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds
In a believer's ear!
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,
And drives away his fear.
It makes the wounded spirit whole,
And calms the troubled breast;
'Tis manna to the hungry soul,,
And to the weary, rest.
Dear Name! the rock on which I build,
My shield and hiding-place,
My never-failing treasury filled
With boundless stores of grace.
Jesus! My Shepherd, Brother, Friend,
My Prophet, Priest and King,
My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End,
Accept the praise I bring.
Perhaps Joseph could have sung that as a quiet lullaby to Jesus." (p.139)
And a final example to close:
"The nineteenth-century Scottish author and hymn-writer Horatius Bonar gives us good counsel:
We went to Bethlehem,
But found the Babe was gone,
The manger empty, and alone.
'And wither has He fled?'
'To Calvary', they said,
'To suffer in our stead.'
We went to Calvary,
But found the Sufferer gone,
The place all dark and lone.
'Whither?' we asked.
'Into the Heavens', they said,
'Up to the Throne,
For us to intercede.'
So, then, to Heaven, we'll go;
The Babe is not below.
We need to go to the living Christ. Have you gone to him? If not, go to him now, turning your back on your old life with all its sin, and guilt, with perhaps the shame you feel - and tun from years of hiding from God - and come in faith to trust Christ as your Saviour, and yield your whole life to him as your Lord.
Then, at last, you will discover the identity of the Child in the Manger and experience the true meaning of Christmas." (pp.202-203)
December 8, 2017
This is a great study of the Nativity of Christ, written by a great author.
I have provided chapter 'summaries' for those curious about the book
Introduction-- What is the meaning of Christmas?
1. A Question, a Parable, and a Family Tree-- The genealogy of Jesus from Matthew 1:1-17, as well as Joseph's struggle to know what to do (vv18-25)
2. Word Made Flesh-- The prologue of John's Gospel (John 1:1-19)
3. The Inside Story-- The humiliation and exaltation of Christ as found in Philippians 2:5-11.
4. Immanuel-- Messianic prophecies of Christ from Isaiah 7 & 9
5. Bad News - Good News (Immanuel Part Two)-- More on the Messianic prophecy from Isaiah 9 and 53
6. The Burden-- The Annunciation to Mary from Luke 1
7. Naming the Baby-- The Meaning of the name of Jesus, texts throughout the Gospels.
8. The First Nowell-- The Announcement to the Shepherds in Luke 2
9. The Long Journey-- The visit of the Magi in Matthew 2
10. Post-Christmas Stress Syndrome-- The slaughter of the innocent in Matthew 2
Recommended to everyone.
This is a lay-level book, and possibly at a frequency level that a 'seeker' could follow and appreciate. (As long as they can put up with lots of cultural references to Scotland--which may get clunky for those who haven't been there, and don't want to go there).
I have provided chapter 'summaries' for those curious about the book
Introduction-- What is the meaning of Christmas?
1. A Question, a Parable, and a Family Tree-- The genealogy of Jesus from Matthew 1:1-17, as well as Joseph's struggle to know what to do (vv18-25)
2. Word Made Flesh-- The prologue of John's Gospel (John 1:1-19)
3. The Inside Story-- The humiliation and exaltation of Christ as found in Philippians 2:5-11.
4. Immanuel-- Messianic prophecies of Christ from Isaiah 7 & 9
5. Bad News - Good News (Immanuel Part Two)-- More on the Messianic prophecy from Isaiah 9 and 53
6. The Burden-- The Annunciation to Mary from Luke 1
7. Naming the Baby-- The Meaning of the name of Jesus, texts throughout the Gospels.
8. The First Nowell-- The Announcement to the Shepherds in Luke 2
9. The Long Journey-- The visit of the Magi in Matthew 2
10. Post-Christmas Stress Syndrome-- The slaughter of the innocent in Matthew 2
Recommended to everyone.
This is a lay-level book, and possibly at a frequency level that a 'seeker' could follow and appreciate. (As long as they can put up with lots of cultural references to Scotland--which may get clunky for those who haven't been there, and don't want to go there).
December 29, 2023
Great book for any Christian struggling with the celebrating of Christmas. As believers, we should understand the who, what, when, where, and why of the incarnation of Christ. Don’t let Christian curmudgeon’s ruin a time of celebrating the coming of the Christ.
December 24, 2018
Wonderful little book. My new favorite Christmas book. Sinclair Ferguson is an amazing writer.
January 26, 2020
Great devotional on Christmas story
November 30, 2020
Outstanding! Sinclair Ferguson never disappoints! Well-written, interesting and exceedingly Christ-focused! A great book to read during Advent.
December 19, 2022
This was a great quick read during the Christmas season!
October 19, 2023
it was just okay, nothing great. I will keep it though since he signed it for us.
December 17, 2023
The best book for advent from a great author.
December 11, 2024
What else is there to say about Sinclair Ferguson? This is everything you’d expect. Sublime.
January 3, 2016
Super religious book, which is not my thing. Book was a gift from family for Christmas, so I appeased them by reading it. I learned a few things, so I gave it 3 stars.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews