Journey to Bethlehem – Jesus

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She placed Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”  Luke 2:6,7

Introduction:

In a little more than a month people will gather in homes around the country for what has become the most widespread ritual in modern history. After feasting on pizza, chicken, and ribs, the nation will spend the next 5 hours glued to the TV set watching the Super Bowl. Sportscasters will use thousands of words to describe the action. Advertisers will spend millions of dollars for 30-second time slots to promote their products before a huge television audience. The halftime show itself will feature the most colorful and extravagant entertainment of the year.

In contrast, Luke 2:6,7 uses 43 words to describe the most significant event in the history of the world. No cameras were present to record the event. The action took place in a stable rather than a stadium before an audience of animals instead of millions of viewers. The Son of God entered the world with simplicity and solitude that bordered on majesty and wonder. He  arrived in a world that He had created, but it failed to recognize Him as the Creator. He came to a people who couldn’t find room for Him in the inn then, and can’t find a place for Him in their hearts today. God came to earth, and only Mary and Joseph were there to greet Him.

In-depth:

“While they were there …

No one knows how long Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem before Jesus was born. It may have been immediately after their arrival or much longer.

“… the time came for the baby to be born …

Mary’s pregnancy was over and the baby was ready to be born. Moreover, it was THE TIME in God’s plan for the Savior to enter the world.

“… and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.

Jesus entered the world as all babies do: tiny, wrinkled, naked and crying. Mary experienced the pain of childbirth, and Joseph observed anxiously.

“She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger …

Mary gave birth to a son, and He needed her. Despite her exhaustion, she wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in the only crib available – a manger.

“… because there was no room for them in the inn.”

Lots of people were in Bethlehem for the census. The text implies that they arrived so late that all of the rooms at the inn were filled.

Conclusion:

You probably received a number of Christmas presents, but the most wonderful present you will ever receive is a relationship with the Lord. If you have never asked him to be your Savior and Lord, now is a good time to pray and ask Him.

Prayer:

“Lord, Thank You for coming to earth as a child to die for me as a man. Amen”

© 2013 Steven A. Lake