Luke 2:4-7
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Good morning, everybody!
One part of the Christmas story that has always stood out to me is the mention of Joseph and Mary finding no room in the inn, thus making it necessary for Jesus to be born elsewhere. One commentary indicates that the place where Jesus was born was something like a cave, and He was laid in a feeding trough for animals!
The point that I often ponder is that there was no room for the baby Jesus to be born; no normal place. Yet, He did not come to make a royal show; He came humbly. I love this verse from II Corinthians:
2 Corinthians 8:9
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
We can be rich today because He became poor for us!
As in the days when Jesus was born and no place could be found for His birth, so it is today - people seem to have no place for Jesus in their hearts. Imagine the Lord walking around, trying to find a place where He can feel at home, and He finds none. People can become so busy with life, or just so full of themselves, that they have no room for the King of kings to abide. How sad, yet it's oh, so true.
In closing, I'd like to include a song from the late Andrae's Crouch's Christmas CD:
Mary's Little Boy Child
as sung by Andrae Crouch:
Long time ago in Bethlehem
So the Holy Bible say
Mary's boy child, Jesus Christ,
Was born on Christmas Day
Hark now hear the angels sing
A new King born today
And man will live forevermore
Because of Christmas Day
While shepherds watch their flocks by night
They see a bright new shining star
Then hear a choir of angels sing
The music seemed to come from afar
Now Joseph and his wife, Mary,
Come to Bethlehem that night
Then find no place to bear her child
Not a single room was in sight
Hark now hear the angels sing
A new King born today
And man will live forevermore
Because of Christmas Day
Trumpets sound and angels sing
Listen what they say
That man will live forevermore
Because of Christmas Day
By and by, they find a little nook
In a stable so forlorn
And in a manger cold and dark
Mary's little boy was born
Christ was born for us. He came to give - to give His life a ransom for many. Many are celebrating the Christmas season, putting Jesus back in the manger, but by January 2nd, He'll be forgotten again. To know Him is to celebrate Him every day of the year, and I hope I never lose the wonder of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! My aim in life is that He will always be welcomed in my heart and life!
God bless you, one and all, and I hope we can meet again tomorrow for another spoonful!
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