From Animal Control to Crowd Control

Picture the nativity scene: sheep bleating softly, a donkey nuzzling hay, cattle lowing. No opulence for the Prince of Peace.  God chose for His Son, a humble and lowly stable -- precisely where His plans unfolded.  God’s ways might seem off-course, but His ways far exceed our ways.  From animal control in the stable to crowd control with the multitudes, God always has a plan with divine precision.

Fast forward to Luke’s account of the feeding of the 5,000 (plus families). Imagine a stadium packed to capacity, but with no concession stands, no hot dogs or nachos. The disciples -- hungry, overwhelmed, and spent from crowd control -- Jesus already had a plan in mind.

With just five loaves and two fish, Jesus gave a masterclass in divine logistics. He organized the crowd into manageable groups, blessed the meal, and miraculously multiplied it until every stomach was full and twelve baskets of leftovers remained. Crowd control and multiplication -- His superpowers on full display.

And think about that little boy who offered his lunch. For the rest of his life, he could say, “Jesus used ME!” That’s the invitation extended to each of us today. What little we have --time, talents, resources -- becomes BIG in the hands of the Master Multiplier.

Right smack dab in the middle of Advent and Christmas, as we marvel at the baby in the manger, let’s remember that the child grew into the Savior who transforms lives. Whether it’s a meal for someone in need, a small gesture of kindness, or a bold step of faith, our “little” becomes extraordinary when we place it in His hands.

Let’s be the ones to raise our hands and say, “Pick me!” Let’s co-partner with the One who turned a manger into the throne room of heaven and five loaves into a feast for thousands. This Christmas, may we trust the Great Crowd Controller and Multiplier to do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine.

After all, His faithfulness doesn’t hinge on ours.  He is faithful, period. And that’s the greatest gift of all.