CHRISTMAS
At Home
And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:7
We can hardly go through a Christmas without a reminder that the Christ Child was born in less than ideal circumstances. Christmas cards often have scenes of a stable filled with animals, while Mary and Joseph look lovingly into a manger, where the baby Jesus is lying.
While many portrayals of this scene aim for a warm, sweet, nostalgic approach, the birth of the Lord Jesus was far from a pleasant experience. Forced to travel to Bethlehem for a Roman census, Mary and Joseph found no comfortable place to stay. Thus Mary gave birth in a cold, dirty stable and used the 'animals’ feed-box for the crib of the baby.
What irony! No room was available here for the Saviour who came to prepare a place for us in Heaven (John 14:2-3).
Everyday life has its ironies too. For example, people were created to live in community and enjoy each other’s friendship. The havoc that sin has wreaked in this world often breaks down that sense of community and friendship, leaving us feeling like there is no place where we can feel at home.
Jesus came to a place that was hostile to God. But, thankfully, He changed the world. Throughout His entire ministry here, the Lord Jesus called people to Himself, where those who felt lost, lonely, and unwelcome could find a place where they experienced the warmth of being at home in the presence of the Lord.
Bible Reading
Luke 2:6-20.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, this Christmas, I thank You for coming to our unwelcoming world so that You could welcome us into your presence. Amen.
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