Joseph and pregnant Mary had to travel to Bethlehem because of an order from the Roman emperor that a census, or record, of all people, must be taken in their hometown. After traveling on a donkey for several days, they arrived in Bethlehem and were told that every inn was full. (There were no hotels or B+B’s either!) Because Mary was due to deliver the Baby at any moment, an owner of one inn told Joseph that they could stay in his stable. We can only imagine the great love and humility Mary had when her time came for the birth of this special, God-given Child.
“And while they were there the time came for Mary to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:6)
From birth to death, Jesus had no room or home on this earth. He Himself said, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” (Mathew 8:20). He who was crucified outside the city (Hebrews 13:12) also came into the world outside the city.
What do you find your security in? As soon as we accept the Babe of Bethlehem into our hearts and lives and accept His redeeming love, which He accomplished for us on the cross, we become family of God! The moment Baby Jesus was born to Joseph and Mary, they became a family, a secure and loving family.
Would you not like to become a part of Father God’s safe and loving family too? All you need to do is surrender yourself to Him and accept the love He offers to you, His forgiveness of sins, and His peace and joy will flood your heart and life this Christmas time.
Loving Jesus, thank You that You humbled Yourself to leave the glory of Heaven, to spend 9 months in the dark womb of Mary and then enter this world in a most simple place to show us that meekness is important in life. Thank You that we can remember Your birth as a time of redemption, joy, love, and peace. Help us to be grateful for being a part of Your royal family! Amen.
Myrtle Turunen