And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 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.
—Luke 2:6-7 (KJV)
Despite Jesus' miraculous conception in Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit, the LORD entered our world in the most common of ways. The time came to be born, his mother went into labor, she gave birth to her child, the child was welcomed and wrapped in soft cloths, and placed in a crib. Jesus' birth wasn't just "normal"; it was common, even below average conditions for his birth. When the Son of God was born, he wasn't placed in a crib. Instead, he was placed in a manger where animals ate. His room was in a house, but a stable. No one made room for him in an inn or a house. Neither of his parents' families opened their homes or hearts to him, even though Bethlehem was also their likely destination for the census. The holy God who created everything enters our world as baby Jesus to share our way of life as one of us in such low circumstances. Why? He loves us and wants us to know we can come home to him no matter our circumstances. Incredible... incredible story... incredible birth... incredible love... because of our incredible God!
O LORD God Almighty, how can I ever show you how much the gift of your Son means to me? I am struck with wonder and joy that you should love me this sacrificially and tenderly. Please accept my praise and adoration for both the gift of your Son, Jesus, and your love in sending him. Praise to you, loving Father, for your indescribable gift! In Jesus' name I thank you. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
—Luke 2:6-7 (KJV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Despite Jesus' miraculous conception in Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit, the LORD entered our world in the most common of ways. The time came to be born, his mother went into labor, she gave birth to her child, the child was welcomed and wrapped in soft cloths, and placed in a crib. Jesus' birth wasn't just "normal"; it was common, even below average conditions for his birth. When the Son of God was born, he wasn't placed in a crib. Instead, he was placed in a manger where animals ate. His room was in a house, but a stable. No one made room for him in an inn or a house. Neither of his parents' families opened their homes or hearts to him, even though Bethlehem was also their likely destination for the census. The holy God who created everything enters our world as baby Jesus to share our way of life as one of us in such low circumstances. Why? He loves us and wants us to know we can come home to him no matter our circumstances. Incredible... incredible story... incredible birth... incredible love... because of our incredible God!
My Prayer...
O LORD God Almighty, how can I ever show you how much the gift of your Son means to me? I am struck with wonder and joy that you should love me this sacrificially and tenderly. Please accept my praise and adoration for both the gift of your Son, Jesus, and your love in sending him. Praise to you, loving Father, for your indescribable gift! In Jesus' name I thank you. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
