Rev. Roger Perry
"noli me tangere"
Membership Level: Full
Posts: 5164
Status: Offline | The first Christmas
The Christmas story is one that I never tire of repeating because it tells of a God who is so full of love, that He willingly gave His Son, that through Him, Jesus, we would have the chance of redemption.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
As we look at this story, some may wonder why God chose to send His Son to be born of a carpenters wife rather than a queen. Why born in a stable in a little town and not in a
palace? God had His reasons, as He tells us in His word:
"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts" Isaiah 55;9
The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem could not have been easy for Joseph and Mary. She had to ride a donkey over rough terrain, not in an air conditioned limo on a smooth tarmac road. Then when they arrived in Bethlehem, there was no room at the inn. Because of Caesar Augustus’ decree that all should return to their home town for a census, the town was full to overflowing with people, many searching for somewhere to stay.
Joseph managed to find a cave used as an animal shelter. It would have been filthy, smelly, dark and uninviting, but it was shelter. It was here that the most important birth ever, took place. No running water, bright lights nor Christmas cheer because this was the first Christmas.
For Mary and Joseph, there would be no courtier in attendance, no doctor or midwife, just a straw filled manger to lay her precious child in. The first people to be told of this tremendous event were not Kings or rulers, but humble shepherds who had been watching over their sheep. Luke 2:9 ff tells us:
2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
May the peace and love of God be with you all this Christmas and throughout the coming year.
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