Mary Had A Little Lamb

I sit here, thinking about all that is going in my life right now and wonder how in the world some people make it! Then, as it is the Christmas season, my mind wanders to the young woman who was carrying a child who would become the savior of mankind. How did she feel, knowing that people thought badly of her and having no place to rest while being full term with child? She and her fiancé were obeying the law and going to pay their taxes. Did she HAVE to go? What was the purpose to her traveling so far while in her physical condition? Oh, yes, to fulfill the prophesy that a virgin would conceive and bare a son and call him Jesus. This very young woman had to have been scared and nervous about the trip. She must have been very tired and in pain, as I am sure no donkey ride is smooth. Yet she traveled to the place where she was supposed to be, not only for the government, but also, for the greatest miracle the world has ever known to manifest and a small baby be born the King of Kings. Mary did all that God had asked of her and there she was in a small town with no rooms for rest. It was the innkeeper who found a place for Mary and Joseph to sleep, a stable to be shared with animals. I wonder if Mary complained or if she was grateful for the stall where she delivered her firstborn. I wonder if she ever thought about the nice, warm, clean rooms in the inn just next to the stable and how her baby deserved to be born in a palace instead of the lowly stable. Did she cry out when the pain got intense? Did she ask for things she knew she couldn't have, like a soft pillow or warm blanket to comfort her during her labor? We have never heard any of the circumstances surrounding the miraculous birth of Jesus, but we do know that He was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger or feeding trough for animals. Did He cry or was He quiet? This tiny infant was called Emmanuel…God with us, yet His crib was a slab of stone or few pieces of wood used for feeding livestock! Yes, Mary had a little lamb!!!! I go back to thoughts of my life and my situation at this time of year. Do I complain and ask for things I know I cannot have? Am I ungrateful for the things that I DO have and the blessings that God has given me? My children were born in hospitals with all the modern conveniences and have always had clothing, food, and anything else they needed. No matter how tough I may think this time of year is for me, I am reminded that God, Himself, chose to take on human form and enter this world in the lowest conditions possible. How humble that is and what an example it is for all of us to follow! This is the time of year that we celebrate the birth of a baby who was born to die….born to die for the world…the world who never found a place for Him, on earth or in their hearts. This is when I think about what I can give Him to honor His birth. What can I give to a heavenly king? If I had anything of worth, I could surely give it to Him….. but I have nothing at all. I place myself at His manger and kneel before the tiny infant. What can I give to my Savior…oh, I know….I'll give Him my HEART when I kneel at His manger tonight!

 

[hisfaceiseek]

Your post was a very nice reflection upon that night. It is too easy to forget that these people had so many challenges along with the birth of a child. It is good to see how God was moving. This give me hope too because despite the humble beginnings (adversity, trials, or less than ideal circumstances)there was joy, love, and happiness.