Luke 2:7 And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. (NIV)
Most of us will be busy on Christmas day, perhaps hosting our families, feasting with our friends, or traveling from one house to another. We will have lots to do, talk about, and accomplish, so that by the end of the day, we’ll probably just want to nap somewhere quiet and warm.
Mary probably wanted the same thing for herself and Jesus. Both of them would have been exhausted by childbirth and needing to rest. A stable may not have been the most comfortable place to be in at that moment, but it was the best they could do. As Mary gently laid Jesus in the manger of hay, I wonder what her hopes and dreams, fears and worries may have been for her firstborn child. Perhaps they were the same as any young mother who faced an uncertain future – she just wished the best for her newly born son.
No matter what we’re all doing this Christmas, let’s make room for Jesus, as well as for Mary. Let’s remember that without their willingness to fulfill God’s plan and be part of our world, we wouldn’t have anything to celebrate on this special day.
May God bless you and all your loved ones this Christmas. Christ is born!
Pastor John
Stushie Art 