Manger - Advent Day 26 (Christmas Eve)

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,  and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. (NIV)

The trip was long, the road…rough.  Rocks and boulders lay scattered everywhere, even on the bit of a road that led from Nazareth to Bethlehem.  Mary was tired and hurting.  She held her head high for the sake of Joseph, not wanting to frighten him.  Her delivery date was imminent, and she knew that lodgings were needed…soon!

Joseph gazed at Mary in love and admiration…she was a brave wife, never complained and rode the donkey, suffering quietly during the long trip to Bethlehem.  He also knew they needed a place to rest and sleep for the night.  Nothing was available!  All rooms were taken!

A stable?  Surely not!  Don’t you understand?  My wife is about to deliver!  We need a room!  NOW!

The Son of God was born into the lowliest of surroundings.  Mary’s delivery room was a corner in a cattle stall with a bed of hay spread attentively by Joseph.  The baby was wrapped in recycled strips of cloth used for protection of newborn lambs later destined for the sacrificial altars.  Jesus was carefully laid…not in an incubator, but in a feed box.  A manger!

Jesus, The promised Messiah…in a…feedbox.     

Manger…God promised!  

Advent – God is coming to us.

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