Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are small among the clans of Judah; One will come from you to be ruler over Israel for Me. His origin is from antiquity, from eternity. Micah 5:2
Joseph went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. Then she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and she wrapped Him snugly in cloth and laid Him in a feeding trough – because there was no room for them at the lodging place. In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today a Savior, who is the Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.” Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors! Luke 2:4-14
My words…
Father, every detail of this blessed event was determined by You before creation. You entrusted Your prophets with select details to bring hope to Your people. And then, late one clear, starry night, in the most humble dwelling in Bethlehem, the first of many prophesies was fulfilled. In the midst of the dirt, bugs, and manure, Your Son came into the world. Mary’s painful cries were heard only by her husband and barn animals. The infant’s arrival set in motion a wave of joyful praise heaven could not contain. It was as if the angels had to tell someone. But who? Who should be the first to hear about the coming of the Savior of the world? It was only fitting that the chosen angel, clothed in Your glory, appear not to the elite of Israel, but to a group of weary, humble shepherds working the night shift. What an honor! The shepherds arrived at the stable, not having to worry about removing their shoes or changing their clothes. They presented themselves to Your Son just the way they were – covered in dirt, covered in sin. I can see them in my mind’s eye, surrounding the trough, some standing, some kneeling, some with their faces to the ground. How long did they linger? I would have stayed all night. I can only surmise that this band of shepherds described the scene of this holy night to their children who then shared it with their children and so on through the generations. You raise the humble. You honor the lowly. You lovingly offer Hope to the hopeless. I praise You, Father, with my whole heart! I praise You and thank You for willingly sending Your Son away from Your side to a place so unworthy of Him. Glory to the newborn King!
