Last Christmas, new Christian artist Anne Wilson released a few Christmas songs including “Kentucky Fried Christmas” and “Just Because It’s Christmas.” Both songs are memorable, but for very different reasons as the first recalls fun country Christmas memories while the other offers comfort for the grieving. But this Christmas, Anne Wilson re-releases those songs as part of her Christmas EP, “The Manger.” The title track is a special surprise as country artist Josh Turner joins Wilson, reflecting on the humble beginnings of Jesus’ life on earth. We’ll share the video and lyrics below, but first let’s discover what the artist says about “The Manger” and what God’s Word says about his humility.
WHAT ANNE WILSON SAYS ABOUT “THE MANGER”
On Instagram, Anne Wilson shares,
“Sometimes the most simple places represent the most incredible days of our lives. The stable and the manger mark a day when our lives changed forever – the day Jesus was born. I’m so honored to have the amazing Josh Turner join me in the music video for ‘The Manger,’ and I hope it brings joy to everyone who hears it this holiday season.”
The song indeed points to Jesus as the place where our lives changed forever. Not just because of the baby in a manger, but because where that humbly-born baby ended up a few decades later. The wood and nails of the manger were traded for that of a cross where He died, making a way of salvation for all who believe.
You were carried by a manger and just 33 years later
By a rugged cross made from nails and wood
And the tears fill up my eyes, You didn’t have to give Your life
But then the story wouldn’t be as good
JESUS’ HUMILITY BEYOND THE MANGER
When Jesus arrived on the earth 2,000 years ago, it wasn’t to rule and reign in a palace surrounded by servants. God’s Word does, in fact, call Him the “King of Kings,” so taking up residence at the closest palace wouldn’t be inappropriate. But instead, He came to serve in the most sacrificial way. He healed people, preached truth, forgave sins, washed feet, and showed love. Through it all, he remained humble, even when it required He lose His life.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
But to Him, it was worth it. You are worth it. Because He loves you.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
THE MANGER LYRICS
They’re putting decorations up in front of my old church
The shepherds and the wise men and the hay
There’s Joseph and his Mary lookin’ down at Heaven’s birth
And the angel’s saying don’t you be afraid
It makes me stop and think about how You showed up down here
In a humble bed made of nails and wood
You could have picked a palace, something more fit for a King
But then the story wouldn’t be as good
From the highest of the high
To the lowest of the low
That stable tells a story of the distance You will go
For the lonely and the lost
There’s no sinner too far gone to find a Savior
Lying in the manger
There’s a star up in the sky that’s calling all the least of these
Come make your way to where your hope is found
If I’m honest some days I feel too far out of reach
But the manger reminds me love reached down
You were carried by a manger and just 33 years later
By a rugged cross made from nails and wood
And the tears fill up my eyes, You didn’t have to give Your life
But then the story wouldn’t be as good
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