Innkeeper
There was no room for them in the inn.
Imagine the circumstances. Having to turn away a kind couple and their expected child because every available space was occupied. Long before hotel policies were even considered, it is possible that the Innkeeper (either by means of bargain or authority) could have opened up a space for them inside. Nonetheless, as it was, the door to the inn was closed to Joseph and Mary. The only place available was outside, with animals. Many times we find ourselves in pursuit of something, only to discover that the door is closed and the opportunity is gone.
Hope comes when we realize that if we have faith, God will provide a way that is far greater than what we had expected. Can you imagine what a blessing it was for Mary and Joseph, who had traveled so far and endured sleeping with animals simply to pay a tax, to come face to face with shepherds, wise men, and kings all seeking to praise and worship God's son, their son. The travelers had come to honor Him and adorn Him with gifts fit for a king, yet none of them would have found Him if He had not been in the manger as described by the angel. The next time you find yourself facing a closed door, remember that God has another one open, waiting for you to step through.
Mother and Child
There is something unique about motherhood.Luke 1:26-38 ESV
Beyond the amazing supernatural occurrence of having an angel appear to her, she is also blessed with the news that most women long for. I am sure it was a spectacular moment of excitement and she must have been so happy. But when the angel leaves and reality sets in, I imagine Mary reflecting on her future and what God has planned for her. She is so young, about to be married, and now has the responsibility of a child on the way. And not just any child. This child is the Son of God who has come to save all who believe from their sin. Imagine the magnitude of that moment. At a time when doubt and fear could have easily caused her to run from God's plan, she remained faithful.
No parent is perfect and not all parents are even present. What I hope you consider is that motherhood is a blessing and a responsibility, and that mothers are a blessing and a reward. We may not all have children and we may not all have loving parents but we all know some. We know mothers that sacrifice and give of themselves to bring joy and hope to others. This Christmas, let a mother know what they mean to you and thank them for all that they do. If you are a mother, embrace the gifts of joy and responsibility God has blessed you with.
Shepards
Intended by God to be present at the birth.Luke 2:8-18 KJV
No matter where you are this Christmas, there is a Savior that lives and longs to be found. The Shepherds had settled down for the night and have no plans to disturb their sheep or to leave the comfort of their campfire. However, God intended for them to travel to see His Son and to spread the news of the Savior's birth. I wonder, had there been only one shepherd, if the journey to the Savior would have been as easily made. We have no way of knowing the intensity of the faith of each shepherd. What we do know, however, is that together they encouraged each other to move in the direction of Jesus. This Christmas may you gather with family, friends, and even strangers and encourage them to move closer to Jesus. The journey is much easier when it is not made alone. Celebrate the Savior this Christmas.
Kingship
Kingship
Matthew 2:1-3, 12-14, 16, 19-20 NAS
Imagine your authority being questioned. Imagine the rights to your kingdom and your rule being taken away. We can relate, we know what its like to lose grip on something, what's its like to be in control of a situation one moment only to let it slip through our hands the next. Its an empty, sinking feeling to have that stripped away. Suddenly, Herrod, this king who had everything his way was immediately stripped of his authority. He probably felt empty and threatened. As a result of the emotions associated with losing his kingship, Herod retaliated in anger. He ordered death to this threat to his throne. Its so easy to become defensive when we are threatened or when we lose something.
Our tendency is to want to control our own path and destiny in life. What I have come to realize, however, is that everything we think we will lose by releasing the kingship of our life to Jesus, is nothing compared to what we truly gain. Through Jesus we have a love and salvation that nothing else can ever give. Letting go of the authority of our lives gives a peace that we could not have on our own.
This holiday season consider the kingship of Christ in your life. Understand that His purpose in coming is to love you and lead you into a relationship with the Father.
Wisemen
Wisemen
Matthew 2 NAS
God used a miraculous sign, the star, to declare the coming of His son to the wise men. It is possible the star was an extremely rare astrological event that was typically believed to be related to the birth of someone of great significance. Another theory is that the star was a divine light that physically moved ahead of the Magi and led them to Bethlehem. Either way, God used a miraculous sign to declare the coming of His son to the wise men.
The wise men knew about Jesus and that is what began their journey, but their purpose wasn't defined until they experienced Jesus. They understood who he was, accepted the gift of grace and salvation God had given them, and responded to him in worship. The journey does not end after the wise men worship Jesus. Upon their departure, God instructed them to go in a different direction.
How do you react to the gift God has given you? Do you immediately return to the where you were and continue living your life as if nothing has happened? My Hope for you this Christmas is that you would understand the significance of God's gift to you and that your reaction would be to respond to Him with worship. Then, may you no longer continue in the same direction life has taken you, but instead pursue the path that God has given you.
Drummer Boy
I have no gift to bring, That's fit to give the King
The Little Drummer Boy is not indicated in scripture but has still had an impact on how I relate to the birth of Jesus. The song indicates that when the boy offered his talent of music, he performed his very best. It would be easy to suggest that we ought to use our gifts, talents, and resources to worship Jesus. And when we worship and bring offerings to God, we ought to bring the very best of what we have. While good and true things, this is not what this story represents to me.
When I consider this little boy, I think of a child who is poor and who doesn't always understand what is going on in the world around him. I see someone who probably lives each day in uncertainty and constantly encounters struggle. Honestly, I see myself and I see you. During times when we are alone, broken, and hurting, we need to see what this child saw. He had nothing but what was inside of him; his hopes, his passions, his dreams. When he decided to come to the Savior and give the best of these things, something so small, so simple, so silent that you almost miss it happening. The last line of the song reads, "then He smiled at me, me and my drum." At a time when I am hurting, at a time when I am uncertain, I can come to Jesus and say "Here. It may not be much, but it's all I have and all I am, and its for you".
This Christmas consider your talents and the things you have to offer. Share those with the people close to you and those in need. My hope is that in doing so, you'll see a Savior smile.