WEDNESDAY December 25, 2019
Christmas Day
So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:6-7
Remember, the streets and inns within the city of Bethlehem were filled with people who had traveled there for the worldwide census. Joseph and Mary looked everywhere for a vacant room to find rest, but every place was filled to capacity. Mary was expecting to have her Baby soon. Finally, the only place available to them was a humble stable where animals where kept and fed.
At last, having found a safe place to stay, Mary went into labor, and gave birth to her Son. Then Mary wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and gently laid Him in a simple manger. Our Savior, the King of kings, was born and laid in a humble manger used as a trough to feed the animals. Jesus, Creator of the world, entered the world He created; He was both human and divine:
He [Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth… (Colossians 1:15-16).
Think about this amazing day. Even though God sent His Son to be the Savior of the world (John 3:16), most people in the city of Bethlehem remained oblivious to the wonderful miracle that had taken place––the Savior had been born!
Sadly, even today, there are so many people who remain unaware of the true meaning of Christmas. Our streets and cities are full of people getting gifts for friends and family, but how many of them have stopped to think about God’s greatest gift––God’s Son––given to us?
Christmas Day we can contemplate the meaning of Jesus’ birth and rejoice in our salvation.
Miracle of miracles! You, O Christ, that baby in Mary's arms are both God and human being. You make God accessible to me.
~A. W. Tozer~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!