The Time For The Baby to Be Born

Luke 2:6&7 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 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.

Having traveled a bit, I have experienced my share of nice hotel rooms. I can also claim to have experienced my share of what would be called “quaint” hotel rooms. But in each case, all stand tall above a manger for a room. I have to remind myself that I am not all that I think I am. Humility is a good quality to have and one to constantly remind oneself of.

            Traveling with family is much different than traveling solo. When you are with a spouse there is a tendency to try find someplace that the spouse will approve of. You know, someplace they would consider to be nice. There is the self-analysis going on that if you pick a dive or dump for a hotel it will be perceived as reflecting upon how the spouse is viewed. A dumpy hotel viewed as all the spouse is worth. (Or is it just me?) Anyway, having found no room to stay in, Joseph and Mary found a manger for a place to stay. I cannot imagine a more humble place. Context of the times or not, it just plain does not get more humble. Which sends a very big message to others. The takeaway for you and I comes from reading how Joseph and Mary tried to find someplace better to stay, but could not. And giving the alternative of no shelter of a manger they made the best of a bad situation. It was, what it was.

This simple choice to do the best they could brings to mind the words of the Apostle Paul to Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:20&21. Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith. Grace be with you all.  Joseph and Mary had been charged with a great responsibility in caring for the baby Jesus. Each had been given this charge by God. (See Matthew 1 and Luke 1.)  They were entrusted with a great responsibility, and did their best to fulfill that obligation. Humble surroundings could easily mislead those looking on the scene of the young family. But the truth was right there to be seen. The kingdom promised for the Son was an eternal kingdom. Not an earthly kingdom. Most people look at the physical surroundings to judge importance. How do much do they miss in doing so?

PRAYER: Father, help us to remember the humble beginnings for Your Son. And help us to keep His simple message uncluttered. You have entrusted us with much and we seek Your guidance in fulfilling that obligation. We ask this in the strong name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.