Luke 2:6-7
“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 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 2:6-7 KJV
We all wait in anticipation for the birth of a child in our families. We are waiting for the time to come. No one can be sure when that time will arrive. The sages may debate about how the baby is being carried and speculate on the arrival date.
Doctors and nurses will talk about subtle body signals, dilation, and effacement, but they can't be sure either. Young children awaiting a new sibling will drive everyone crazy by asking every day for months if this is the day.
Imagine the excitement among the angels of heaven at this birth of Jesus. It wasn't just Joseph and Mary who were waiting. The hosts of heaven awaited Jesus birth. So at just the right time, the "time came for her baby to be born."
Like any good mother, Mary welcomed her child, and God began his gracious and sacrificial journey through humanity, swaddled at His birth like every other new baby, but with His bed made in a manger a humble beginning for a humble life.
This is the moment we’ve been waiting for, the big announcement of Jesus being born into the world. How does the gospel of Luke describe it? A couple of sentences, very few details. From the very beginning, God has made it clear Jesus would be a different kind of King. No parades and trumpets sounding, no big celebration happening in the palace for all to hear.
The birth of the King that changed the world was nothing like we expected. Jesus chose to enter into our broken world in the most humble and vulnerable way, by being born into a family that was on the outside, often overlooked and judged.
The good news is that the King of Kings is not sitting in a throne in a palace far away, He is in a manger, surrounded by the dirt, grime, and messiness of the world. God came to redeem the whole world, including those of us who sometimes feel like there’s not room for us in the Kingdom of God.
“…because there was no guest room available for them.”
On this most important night, no one made room for Mary, an expectant mother, all they saw were her circumstances but that didn’t stop God’s plan from moving forward.
As the people of God it’s up to us to open doors and create space for the downtrodden and overlooked. To see people as image bearers and make sure they know they too are invited into the Kingdom of God.
As you Give More and Love All this Advent, how can you make an intentional effort to really notice and see the people you’re in community with? Is there someone in your life that you need to share the good news of the gospel with?
The question you and I face is whether we will give God a room in the most important place, a place in our hearts!!!
Father thank you for this day and the gift of Your Word of life. Lord let Your abundant blessings flow from the windows of heaven over my friend and family today. Lord open our eyes to see the realities of the world around us, the brokenness and the beauty. Lord we pray that this Advent season our hearts would overflow with worship and gratitude as we find ways to serve others in our neighborhoods, churches, and cities. Be a blessing.
Father, we love You, Amen.
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