"The Birth in Bethlehem"

“And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn.” Luke 2:6-7

The time had come. Mary felt the pain in her lower abdomen, which shot around to her back. Then all of the sudden she felt the warm water trickle down her legs. She exclaimed, “Joseph! It is time.” Mary’s water had broke and now the time to deliver the Messiah was upon them. Scurrying around Bethlehem to deliver the baby was quite the task than most realize. Alas, Joseph finds the perfect spot, which had all they needed to bring their child, the Savior, into the world.

I want you to notice a couple of things from the text; God appointed the right time; God provided the right resources; God provided the right place for the birth of the Messiah. In other words, God was in control over the entire situation that night in Bethlehem as the Savior was born. Often times, we focus our attention on Joseph, Mary, or the wise men forgetting it was God sovereignly orchestrating all these things to bring them to pass.

I am sure there are many out there scurrying around still trying to find that perfect gift. Some may be stressed out and overwhelmed with worry and frustration about how they will pay for all the “stuff” they want to get for others. Yet, we see in the text God provided for all of Joseph and Mary’s needs. As followers of Christ, we must realize God never promised His people a life of ease and luxury. Rather, He promised us across and that our needs would be met in Christ Jesus.

What can we learn from this? God provides all His children need in Christ Jesus. We must simply look to Jesus. He is the real reason for the season. This season is not about gifts and stuff, but the eternal Son took on flesh to purchase those whom the Father had given him. Just as God met Joseph and Mary’s needs, He graciously meets our needs today as well in Christ. So, stop stressing and worrying about your situation whether it be purchasing gifts or trying to make ends meet. Jesus said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Look to the One who is the Perfect Gift, and gave His life a ransom in order that sinners could bring Him glory. SDG.

Oh, wondrous mystery,
That Thou, Eternal One,
Shouldst enter human history
As Mary's lowly Son!

Each baby sigh and breath
Proclaims Thee now my kin;
Oh, perfect life! Oh, Calvary death!
Atonement for my sin!