"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" By Rev. Dr. Mary B. Johnson: Luke 2:4-7

December 24

​"And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her 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 place for them in the inn." -Luke 2:4-7 (RSV)

​Christmas Eve is an evening to treasure. Christians gather together worldwide with others in cathedrals, country churches, or family services to celebrate the birth of the Christ child. Whether it is Candlelight services or magnificent choirs that welcome Jesus, this is a time to rejoice. Yet the first Christmas was very different. After a long grueling journey from Nazareth to Judea, Joseph and Mary found there was no place for them in the Inn. Exhausted, pregnant, and weak, Mary gave birth to the long awaited Messiah, and placed her frail baby Jesus in a manger in a stable among the sheep, donkeys, horses, and camels. Most likely this stable was behind the inn in a cave as this was the usual place for animals providing transportation for travelers. They had feeding troughs for animals called "mangers" carved into the rock walls. Mary probably gave birth on the ground on a hastily made straw bed. Despite popular Christmas cards, the surroundings were dark and dirty. It wasn't the atmosphere expected as the birth place of a Messiah. Most believed he would be born in royal rooms and missed his arrival. Don't limit God by your expectations for he can still be found at work wherever needed in our dirty dark world.

Although our first glimpse of Jesus is as a baby in a manger, it shouldn't be our last. The baby Jesus is part of beautiful Christmas scenes, but don't leave him there. This tiny, helpless baby grew up to become our Messiah, King of Kings, Savior, and Healer. If you picture Jesus most often as a baby in a manger, don't underestimate him. Seek a new perspective and then let him grow up in your life to also become your best friend, daily companion, and Lord.

​Prayer: Lord, May this Holy Night reflect your Love. Amen.

​Meditation For The Day: God light removes all darkness and dirt.

​Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)