Every year when December rolls around we start to get busy thinking about Christmas. The first thing that comes to my mind is the Baby. The Baby that was born to save the world-God in human flesh-Jesus. There was a year that I dreamed of holding a newborn baby in church on Christmas. In fact, my due-date was the 25th of December. That year our precious Natalie was born on the 19th. That event changed our lives forever. Though I approach the 19th with much excitement seeing our daughter celebrate another milestone, there also comes the fearful memories of days spent in the hospital with a very sick child and the apprehension that comes with wondering what the future holds for our daughter with a special heart.
Mary was given such a special mission and we think of the thrill that she must have had carrying the Son of God. But at the same time, she accepted a very difficult assignment. She was engaged, but not married. Being pregnant outside of marriage could mean death in her time but most certainly public scorn. Just recently I learned in a Bible study that I've been attending, that when it was said "there was no room for them in the inn" (Luke 2:7) the
inn that is referred to was the guest house of relatives. Probably, Joseph's relatives would have taken in Joseph's family at that time. During the census there probably weren't a lot of public places to stay so extended relatives would take in their kin. But could it have been that because of Mary's state she was not allowed to stay in her fiance's relatives home? Most likely she was turned out and gave birth in a courtyard where the household animals roamed. It is said that "she wrapped him in cloths and laid him in a manger." (Luke 2:7) We all think of a cozy little stable with animals looking over the side of their stalls admiring the little baby lying in a manger. But in reality, it was probably much different than this. Do you suppose that this is why the shepherds were the first ones to hear of Jesus' birth? They were the "lowly" ones in this society. Maybe they wouldn't have questioned the virgin birth.
"When they (the shepherds) had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and
all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them." (Luke 2:17-18) They were amazed? Were they amazed at the messengers, or the message, or the lowly means that a King could have been born?
"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:19) Mary knew that God had called her into something that would be a lifelong commitment. She humbly accepted the assignment. She was witnessing miraculous signs and yet Mary still didn't know
how Jesus would save the world. She didn't know what it would be like training the Son of God. I wonder if she had apprehension. I wonder if there was any fear?
So at this time of year, I take heart that even though there are many unknowns out there for my daughter, Natalie, I can take courage from Jesus' young mother who completely put herself into the mercy of God's hands. She yielded her life to God for her life was not her own. She took on the task of baring a Son and then watching Him die to save the world. And because of His resurrection from the dead, I can have hope that no matter the outcome with my daughter's heart, if she accepts Jesus Christ as her Savior, we will be together for eternity in Heaven.
Jesus, Joy of the Highest Heaven
by Keith and Kristyn Getty
Jesus, joy of the highest heaven,
Born as a little baby
Under a wonderous star.
Like us, crying He takes His first breath
Held by His mother, helpless
Close to her beating heart.
Jesus, laid in a lowly manger,
Facing a world of dangers,
Come to turn me a stranger,
Into a child of God.
Jesus, King of the highest heaven,
Learning to take His first steps,
That He might bring us life.
Like us, knowing our smiles and sorrows,
He showed the way to follow,
A way that is true and right.
Jesus, take away every darkness,
Steady my simple footsteps
That I might in Your goodness
Live as a Child of God.
