A Cradle in Bethlehem

“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.” Luke 2:7

When my first child was born, I traveled in a car to a modern hospital, where I was quickly admitted and put in a comfortable bed. The nurse who attended me was a friend, and the doctor was someone I was familiar with and could trust completely.

How different it was for Mary on that Christmas long ago. She had ridden for days on a donkey, probably feeling very uncomfortable, because she knew she would soon give birth. Arriving in Bethlehem, it must have been disheartening to be turned away because there was no room in the inn. Fortunately, they found a place to stay in a humble stable, probably just a cave. There was no comfortable bed, no clean sheets, and no nurse or doctor to meet her needs.

Mary had heard the voice of God and knew that this baby was to be the promised One, and somehow this hope sustained her through it all. There in that humble stable, she gave birth to Jesus, the Saviour of the world. As she and her husband Joseph welcomed the little one, God sent the shepherds from the hillside, telling a wondrous story of a visit from angels. God was confirming the promise He had given Mary and Joseph months before.

Once again at this Christmas time, we rejoice because of Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

Prayer: Jesus, we thank you that you left your heavenly kingdom for a cradle in Bethlehem, and that you gave your life on Calvary to bring us salvation.

Devotion by Anne Johnston