December 24

"... So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth … to Bethlehem to register with Mary, who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born..." (Luke 2:4-6 NIV)

The long wait would soon be over. But this night seemed normal, as usual - although they were of course on a journey - and they had nowhere to spend the night. The two young people were central figures in history's greatest drama. There, in the stable next to the small town inn, they would be the first to witness when the Savior of the world came in human form as a helpless infant. They would be responsible to provide the care he needed and was so dependent on during this initial period.

I wonder how they felt. They may not have been very experienced. Perhaps they were in their twenties. But lack of experience was offset in part by a certain youthful courage. This would simply be coped with. And with God's help, they made it. The baby was born in hiding. Guests at the inn had no idea. And the innkeeper was probably also unaware.

But Mary knew. And Joseph knew. And soon a few simple shepherds in a field outside the city would hear angels sing. And the angels would say to them: "Be not afraid. I bring you good news of great joy, a joy for all the people. Today a Savior has been born to you ... he is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11); And when the shepherds had known, millions of others would also know about it. And today, you and I also know that a Savior has been born to us.

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for coming! Thank You for letting Yourself be born into this world and become our Savior. Thank you for being the only One who can give the world hope. And thank You that the Hope is still alive today.