Drawing Close to Bethlehem

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. Luke 2:4-6 KJV

We cannot know from this passage if it was on the night of their arrival that Mary gave birth, but we can imagine her weariness as they plodded through the outskirts of Bethlehem. How much longer would it be till the child’s birth? Where would they stay? Who might welcome them? Who would believe the miraculous story they carried in their hearts?

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This Christmas God is also bringing you and me on a journey. His goal is for us to go where He has prepared for us to be. Like Mary you might have times when you might be wondering: Where do I really belong? But God who has prepared a place for every sparrow’s nest has also planned a place for you. When we wish to be welcomed, He reminds us in those moments that we are always welcome to come to Him. Just as Joseph and Mary could only trust God’s timing on the long road to Judea so also we must be patient as the seconds tick down on the changes that lie ahead for us. You might think that no one can know the story of your heart, but God will send angels stars or shepherds to help you as you draw closer to Bethlehem.

Mary’s Christmas Carol

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,  Luke 1:46-47

From the very beginning Christmas seems to be intertwined with music and song. In the Biblical story leading up to the birth of Jesus everyone seems to be singing. Elizabeth sings, angels sing, and even Mary herself has a song. How many of the Christmas carols can you sing by heart without even a glance at a song sheet? Whether it is one or a thousand, each song had to take a journey from the lips of your mother, a church choir or a group of carolers outside your door, till it took up residence in your heart. In some mysterious way those carols have become your songs.

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For the young Virgin Mary her song had traveled the journey from the moment she heard the greeting of the angel Gabriel, till the first cry of Jesus in the manger. With each passing day she was learning new verses, hearing deeper harmonies and sensing more fully its tempo. In the same way we who have Christ living in us are learning day by day a little more of His song in our lives. If we are straining to hear we will hear his melody in the voice of the needs of others. When we are listening we will hear the gentle rhythm of those by our side blending with the harmony of God’s grace carrying us through hardships. If we are willing then note by note, and one measure at a time the Christmas song of heaven will become our own.

 

 

Sharing Christmas Joy

And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit Luke 1:41 ESV

In some ways Mary was unlike anyone else on earth. Who else can say that God entrusted to them the baby Jesus? But in some ways Mary was just like every one of us. She did not have any special standing or ability that caused God to choose her. We in some ways are all given the same opportunity that Mary had to surrender to God so that His Son can be born in us.

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When Mary went to visit her cousin she did not preach a sermon, or bring expensive gifts to impress Elizabeth. But the difference that the life of Jesus within her had already made brought joy to into their meeting!

 

So that has me wondering and asking the question: Does the presence of Jesus in my life give joy to the lives of others?” If God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son for me, then what have I given to others today as an expression of that gift?