Devotion 4: The Battle Over the Manger
Christmas is often portrayed as a peaceful scene. We picture baby Jesus lying in a manger, surrounded by adoring shepherds and singing angels. However, behind this serene image is a cosmic battle, one that has raged since the beginning of time and continues even to this day. The birth of Christ was not just a moment of joy; it was an act of divine warfare, a direct assault against the forces of darkness.
Matthew 2:16-18 says, “Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: ‘A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.’”
Matthew 2:16-18 recounts one of the most tragic and violent events surrounding the birth of Jesus. It is the massacre of innocent children in the region surrounding Bethlehem. Herod, driven by fear and jealousy, sought to destroy the coming King while He was yet a toddler. His murderous decree was not merely the act of a paranoid ruler; it was a clear manifestation of the spiritual war against God’s plan. Revelation 12:3-7 unveils the deeper reality behind this attack. The dragon, Satan himself, stood ready to devour the Christ-child, seeking to thwart God’s redemption before it even began. However, God’s sovereign hand protected His Son, ensuring the fulfillment of His mission.
Revelation 12:3-7 says, “And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems. His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it. She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne, and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for 1,260 days. Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon.”
Revelation 12:9-11 continues, “And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world - he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, ‘Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.’”
Revelation 12:17 adds, “Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea.”
The birth of Christ did not end the war, it escalated it. Satan knew that the arrival of the Messiah would ultimately be the first dagger to his defeat and destruction. Even though Christ has already won the victory through His death and resurrection, the enemy continues to wage war against God’s people. We see this as it is recorded in Revelation 12:17. Paul also reminds us in Ephesians 6:10-20 that we are engaged in a spiritual battle that requires heavenly armor, God’s armor. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, authorities, and spiritual forces of evil. Just as Christ’s birth was met with resistance, so too will the birth of our faith be tested and fought against by a mastermind and deceiver of all people.
Spiritual warfare continues today, especially during Christmas. The holiday that should center on Christ is often overshadowed by materialism, busyness, and distractions. The enemy works tirelessly to shift our focus away from the true meaning and purpose of Christ’s birth. Division in families, financial stress, and even depression increases during this season. These are all tactics to rob us of the peace and joy Christ offers.
However, just as God provided protection for Jesus and His purpose, message, and victory. He also equips us with everything we need to stand firm. Ephesians chapter 6 calls us to put on the full armor of God. We should display truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. God does not leave us without the tools to do battle. He does not leave us as helpless orphans. He enables us, through the power of His Spirit, to resist the enemy’s schemes.
Christmas is not just a celebration of Christ’s birth; it is a reminder of God’s victory over darkness. We are called to walk in that victory, refusing to allow the enemy to steal our joy or distort our focus. This season, let us who chose Christ be intentional in our worship, steadfast in prayer, and diligent in guarding our hearts and minds. The battle over the manger was won, and through Christ, we are more than conquerors.
Take a second and ask yourself the following questions:
• Are there areas in your life where the enemy is trying to steal your focus from the message and hope of Christ?
• How can you actively engage in spiritual warfare through prayer and God’s Word during this season of battle?