And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:4-7
Celebrations of family and friends are commencing all over the world. The candles and trees sparkling, the tables loaded with goodies and the atmosphere is one of hope, love and good cheer. This is Christmas – my favorite time of year! It takes lots of planning, prepping and for us this year a long journey of traveling; not so unlike the first Christmas. There was traveling, planning and celebrations happening before the birth of the Christ-child.
Reading through the Christmas story in Luke, I am reminded that God’s plans and ways are grander than our ways. His birth was significant and ushered in a new era of hope and peace for the world. Yet, he came in the night, in a small town, and in a humble setting.
Family
Even before he was born, Jesus had a family. God had chosen a people and a lineage that was prophesied throughout the Old Testament. He would come from the line of Judah. Mary and Joseph were requested to take a census and be counted. Jesus came at that specific time in history, to confirm to all the world, in the small town of Bethlehem – his lineage. He declared his belonging to us and us to him. God’s design for all of us is to have a family. To make that connection for us back to Him. To be a part of His lineage.
Real
Mary swaddled Jesus. She held him. The Christ-child became real. Jesus did not think equality with God was something that had to be grasped, he humbled himself and chose to come in the form of man (as a baby) to dwell among us (Philippians 2:6-7). He became child-like to set the example and to set us free. He can be grasped.
Feeding Souls
God’s placement of being wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger once occuppied with fodder is ready to feed the souls of men. Jesus, wrapped in human flesh, came into a dark, dying, hungry world to bring light, life and feasting to all men.
All those who journeyed to the manger witnessed God becoming flesh – the bread of life for the world. Each shepherd ran to the manager to seek the very presence of God. The wise men bringing gifts as they followed the star to search for the baby born to be king. They left well-fed and worshiping God. They had completed their mission to find the King.
IN A MANGER
Jesus became flesh and dwelt among us….to give us family, to see His reality and to a feed our souls.
How am I celebrating God’s realness in my life this Christmas?