The Manger

A manger is a long trough or rack for fodder (food for cattle and livestock, usually dried hay or straw) from which cattle and livestock feed. It is not by chance that Our Lord was placed in a manger after His brith from the Mother God, the Ever Virgin Mary. St Cyril the Great in his commentary on Luke Chapter 2 says:

“He found man reduced to the level of the beasts: therefore is He placed like fodder in a manger, that we, having left off our bestial life, might mount up to that degree of intelligence which befits man’s nature; and whereas we were brutish in soul, by now approaching the manger, even His own table, we find no longer fodder, but the bread from heaven, which is the Body of Life.

In as Bethlehem means the “House of Bread”, where then were the shepherds heading after hearing the good tidings of peace except for the spiritual house of heavenly bread, I mean the church in which the bread depending from heaven which gives life to the world is offered daily?”

From this short commentary the link between the manger and the Holy Table in the Church is clear- Our Lord was born in a feeding tray because He is true food- “For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink” (Jn 6:55) When we look at the manger we see the extreme humility and self emptying of the Lord as “He who is seated on the high shining throne was placed in a manger!” (St John Chyrsostom)

So let us then as we approach the manger- His own table , and see the Our Lord humbling Himself and offering Himself as the bread of life, recall the words of St Cyril of Alexandria

“If the poison of pride is swelling up in you, turn to the Eucharist; and that Bread, Which is your God humbling and disguising Himself, will teach you humility.

If the fever of selfish greed rages in you, feed on this Bread; and you will learn generosity.

If the cold wind of coveting withers you, hasten to the Bread of Angels; and charity will come to blossom in your heart.

If you feel the itch of intemperance, nourish yourself with the Flesh and Blood of Christ, Who practiced heroic self-control during His earthly life; and you will become temperate.

If you are lazy and sluggish about spiritual things, strengthen yourself with this heavenly Food; and you will grow fervent.

If you feel scorched by the fever of impurity, go to the banquet of the Angels; and the spotless Flesh of Christ will make you pure and chaste.”