Thoughts for another day

Dec. 23, 2013.

Today's verse: Luke 2:7. 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. (KJV)

(Pls. read the above before you read further.  Thanks)

Every year as Christmas approaches and the din to celebrate it, in an even greater and grander way is heard in the churches as well as street corners; and most forget the essential reason for Christmas – Jesus Christ.   Rarely does one find someone having much gladness of heart about the birth of Christ and what they’ll do to honor Him.  The noise and revelry is usually far removed from the Christmas spirit and is only for self gratification, doing no obeisance to God.

In all this, at times I wonder as I look at the verse above, how it might have been that first Christmas night on that cold winter’s night.  You see, Mary might have been in great labor pain and Joseph might have been a worried man, seeking a place somewhere warm and comfortable for his wife to lie down and deliver her first born child.  Of course there would have been no fun or joy, but just that anxiety as to how to keep both mother and child comfortable and Mary might have wondered how she would deliver and keep the little baby warm.  In all this as she would have been writhing in pain, Joseph, having spotted a cow shed, moved toward it and there Mary gave birth to her Son, the Lord of the universe. 

It never ceases to surprise me that the Only One who could decide where He was to be born as a man, decided to take birth in a cow shed and then lie down in a manger!  And as I look at our inane celebrations, it seems to mock the awesome event of the birth of God, yea, God Himself in a most humble and simple way… far removed from all our visions of grandeur.   This prompts me to think, is there some way I can participate in Jesus’ humble birth; and then I think of all the hordes of babies born similarly, even today for lack of charity in man and the sheer coldness of human beings toward them.  Perhaps, we could all do something for these underprivileged children of God…maybe give them a new set of clothes or a warm meal.  Whatever that may touch the Lord and He grant us a smile from heaven, enough to gladden our hearts and bring spirit to our Christmas celebration.