“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:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.” Luke 2:4-5
This Christmas week I will be traveling with my daughter. her husband, and my grandson to visit my son and his family. We will be in a warm, comfortable vehicle, enjoying each other’s company. There will be places along the way where we will stop for something to eat. When we reach our destination, we will be welcomed to a spacious house, and will have comfortable beds to sleep in.
On that first Christmas so long ago, things were quite different. Can you image how hard it must have been for Mary riding on a donkey, or at times walking on a rough pathway. In her condition, I am sure at times she was very uncomfortable. Joseph would have been wanting to travel fast as he did not know just when the baby would arrive. Even though his family roots were in Bethlehem, he knew there would be no family there to welcome them.
We all know the story, how they could find no room in the inn and were shown to a humble stable to spend the night. There were no warm blankets, or comforters, just a bed of straw. There were no doctors or nurses to call on, Yet, the Great God of Heaven had decided that this was where He would choose to fulfill His promise to send a Messiah, a Redeemer to the world.
As we celebrate Christmas with family and friends, let’s not forget the true reason for the season. May we take time to thank the Lord for His great love for us. He loved us so much that He came to earth as a humble baby in a manger, and later gave His life that we might be redeemed.
Prayer: Jesus, we thank you for Christmas and what it means to us. Thank you that you loved us so much that you came to earth to bring us salvation. You truly are the greatest gift that was ever given.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
Comments are closed.