Manger

Gift Wrapped

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But made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.   Philippians 2:7-8

Did you ever stop to wonder who came up with the idea of gift wrapping? Why do we bother with ribbons and bows if it is just the gift itself that people really want? Maybe it all comes down to a presentation; like on the opening night of a play. When we wrap gifts we do it to keep in the surprise. KIMG0138

In a strange sort of way Jesus came as God- gift wrapped! No one could see who Jesus was in his swaddling cloths in the manger. It took angels telling the shepherds to get anyone to begin unwrap that first Christmas present!

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Another reason for gift wrapping is so we can say:  “This just for you!” In that same way Jesus was sent, not only for the whole world, but He also gives Himself to us one by one.

Now some of us open presents on Christmas Eve and others on Christmas morning. But no matter what our selected time, it is the gift wrapping that makes us wait till the right time to open our presents. Then on that special silent night in Bethlehem; at exactly right moment, Jesus came  gift-wrapped and we have been unwrapping the love of God in Jesus Christ ever since!

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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.

Joseph’s Joy

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And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:18-20 ESV

Have you noticed that are many times when God’s plan doesn’t seem at all to line up with our own? We come face to face with circumstances that seem completely unacceptable and yet: we are forced to desperately depend on God. That is exactly how we meet Joseph in his part of the Christmas story. Joseph was a good and kind man who wanted to shield Mary from what he was certain was a betrayal of their trust. But Joseph was also a just man and he knew (At least he thought he knew) that all his plans and hopes for a future life together with his bride to be were finished.

That is where God stepped in with Joseph and where he will step in with us. Whether he sends a message by an angel or if he offers the gentle counsel of His word God is always ready and willing to open the door between heaven and earth and sit down with us in our hard places. If you wait on Him you will feel a tap on your shoulder and hear a voice that says, “Do not be afraid…God still has everything in His control!”