Savior: The Promise FulfilledSample

A Baby in a Manger

Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem when Mary was due to have her baby, completely separated from all her family and supporting friends back in Nazareth. We are not told that anyone assisted Mary during labor, and that Mary wrapped the child herself points to a lonely birth. She took some strips of clothes to swaddle the baby and laid him in a manger. 

I don´t know if the manger was in a cave or a stable, if it was attached to a house or in an open field. I don´t know if the manger was made out of wood or stone, or if there were animals inside at the time of Jesus´ birth. What I do know is this: Mary laid baby Jesus in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. There was no place for Jesus. 

He was the Son of God. He could have chosen to be born in a palace, in a big comfortable house. But He chose to come to the world in the humblest way. He chose the uncomfortable, the smelly, the lonely. 

How many times have I complained about little, silly things that make my life a little less comfortable? How many times have I put my own wellbeing ahead of the will of Jesus? How many times has there has not been room in my heart, in my life, in my schedule for Him? 

Dear Lord, forgive me for putting my things above You and my relationship with You. Forgive me for closing my heart to You and having my priorities misplaced. Help me make room for You every day of my life. Amen. 

Mini challenge: Do you have some favorite worship songs or Christmas carols that you love to sing? Consider making a playlist to share with friends or family – you could even invite them to send you a list of songs they love to add – you might just discover a new favorite!