While listening to my audio devotional this morning I was knocked over by one of the comments that came through in the session. The speaker was discussing Jesus’ birth and while I’ve heard dozens upon dozens of messages about this story, today I saw the manger in a very different light.

Have you ever thought about why God allowed His son to be born into a manger?

The manger is viewed as being the lowest of the low places. To be born amongst farm animals is just not something most people would aspire to. And yet, this child rose to the highest heights.

Today, for the first time in my Christian walk, I saw the manger as a physical manifestation of how God loved us enough to show each and every one of us that we can do all things thru Him. It literally doesn’t matter what the circumstances of your birth are because you can rise up to do great things. Doesn’t mean it will be easy, but it is possible, even if you feel like you’re coming up from the backside of nowhere.

I just felt compelled to share this before I head out the door to work this morning.

Marta C. Youngblood is a writer, education and social entrepreneur based in Hot Springs, Arkansas. For more information on her current projects visit https://about.me/MCyoungblood.