Christmas

Mary’s Christmas Song

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“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation            Luke 1:46-50

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Christmas is about the song God gives. Mary sang her song when she heard the news of the Child who was to be born. God sent a song with angels for shepherds and light for people in darkness. God chose Bethlehem, the city of the shepherd David whose songs make up the book of Psalms.

I know a little of the darkness of barns and remember walking every morning to the barn across our dirt road long ago.  I would first light a little stub of a candle and put it on the beam near the stall. Then I would put a little corn and hay into the feed-trough and gently wash the cow with the warm water that I had brought over in the milk pail.

In a quiet and humble place just like that, our Lord Jesus was born among cattle and hay with maybe a barn cat or two to observe the scene. A young woman named Mary was giving birth in the stable with only her husband Joseph by her side. In that moment the air was pierced by the music of the cry of one child who came to give His life for our world. If we tune our ears we will find that we can still hear that song of hope from the stable of Bethlehem 2000 years ago.

Seeing His Star

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Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold wise men from the east came to Jerusalem saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw His star when it rose and have come to worship him.       Matthew 2:1-2

The wise men began their journey when they saw the star. It was such an amazing sight that they packed their bags and left their homes to discover where this king was to be born. Though tradition holds that they traveled for 12 days, the Bible doesn’t tell us the length of their journey. What we do learn is that along the way they lost sight of the star.

In our everyday lives as Christians somewhere between the hills, deserts and valleys we also lose sight of the star. When the wise men lost their way they did what some of us hate to do, they asked for directions! But when we get spiritually off course we shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help. God is pleased to offer His guidance. The interesting thing is that the wise men got their new trip route from the same source we have access to today, from the Bible! God’s word pointed them directly towards Bethlehem and then we read these words:KIMG0900

After listening to the king they went on their way and behold the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.  Matthew 2:9

 

 

First Day on the Road

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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. Luke 2:4 ESV

Often I lie awake the night before a trip turning over in my mind whether we have enough food, clothing, and money for the days ahead. As Mary and Joseph gathered their belongings for Bethlehem, they had practical concerns to deal with also. How would they safely bring their tax money along roadways where thieves laid in wait? Who would give them a place to stay? Should they return to Nazareth?

Amazingly in spite of so many things they could have worried about, we don’t hear one single complaint from either one of them. But Mary and Joseph we

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re not some kind of super-heroes. The Bible is quite clear that they were just ordinary people who put their trust in God. They had questions just as we do. Mary wondered how she would become pregnant without a man. Joseph considered whether Mary was the right woman to marry. Yet they traveled together on a difficult road in peace because they had taken their questions and fears to God.

In what ways are you fearful about your future today? Do you wrestle with some doubts about God’s plan for your life? If you long to travel boldly, first bring God all your questions and then trust His answers. God knows the why and where of the road ahead.