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| Source: Heartlight.org |
"And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12
One of the astounding facts of Jesus' birth is that of where He was born. To think that the King of Kings would begin His life in the humblest of places: a space meant to house animals, His bed a manger. . .a trough, is mind boggling.
There is some debate about whether the actual place was a stable or a cave. In either case, we know that His birthplace was not palatial. There were no royal attendants to welcome Him into the world. Only a mother and father, both commoners.
Can you see the amazing message this is to us from God? From the very beginning Jesus was accessible to all people. Not just the wealthy and elite behind guarded gates, where we would expect Him to be.
No. God placed Him where shepherds were welcome. Men who lived among sheep, and were most likely quite dirty and dare I say "smelly". They were, in fact, the first to be told of the Savior's birth.
Of the Lord's birth Charles Spurgeon writes:
"Let us take courage here. If Jesus Christ was born in a manger in a rock, why should He not come and live in our rocky hearts? If He was born in a stable, why should not the stable of our souls be made into a habitation for Him? If He was born in poverty, may not the poor in spirit expect that He will be their Friend? If He thus endured degradation at the first, will He count it any dishonour to come to the very poorest and humblest of his creatures, and tabernacle in the souls of His children? Oh, no! we can gather a lesson of comfort from His humble parentage, and we can rejoice that not a queen, or an empress, but that a humble woman became the mother of the Lord of glory."
As we enter the first week of Advent, let's consider the humble birth of our Lord and Savior, and give Him an exalted place of honor in our hearts, as well as our homes, this Christmas.
Today's music video Come Adore the Humble King by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa is a call to worship our Savior King.
I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.
I am so grateful to God for sending His Son to us. I love to celebrate this event. Without the hoopla of "hoiday season".
ReplyDeleteI'm participating in Advent here at home, because it's one way to look forward to when Jesus comes back, and also redirecting scattered thoughts to what Christmas is really about. We are also going through the true meaning of the words used during Advent in church, starting yesterday with the real meaning of hope, and Jesus being our Living Hope.
ReplyDeleteI looked at the picture you included, and you know, I always look at Joseph and wonder what was going through his mind! Granted, he was visited by an angel, but he was human and I wonder about his possible thoughts and questions. We aren't given much information about Joseph in the Bible, but he certainly had a huge responsibility raising this special Child, and yet I imagine they had an ordinary family life as we know there were other children. It's interesting, isn't it? Thank you for mentioning Advent. So much can occupy our time and thoughts this time of year that it's good to spend time daily reflecting on the goodness of God in giving us a Savior!
Hi Nancy, I just spent a week in Colorado. Greeley to be exact. I grew up in that area and moved away 42 years ago. I was blessed to spend Thanksgiving with my siblings. I am one of 6, and 5 of us were together. 1 brother has passed away. As I'm sure you know, the first part of the week was sunny and warm (to me, who lives in Alaska). The last few days I was looking forward to coming home to Alaska to warm up. Yikes. 14 degrees. Thank you for your word of encouragement. I'm looking forward to celebrating Advent. Keep sharing on YouTube. I enjoy your videos......... Sandy
ReplyDeleteI have also marveled at the fact that the King of Kings was born in a stable. Oh how He loves us.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Betsy
My favorite time of the year-- Advent and Christmas (at least until Easter arrives!).
ReplyDeleteWishing you a wonderful Advent season!
Dear Nancy, I hope that you are well and that your beautiful little home is cozy and warm. The Christmas holidays bring with them the joy of knowing we have a savior who came that we might have life and have it abundantly and eternally with Him. With everything that is going on in the world today it is such a blessing knowing that we are safely protected in His love.
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