17 - Advent
Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
Christmas–Advent 2023
Day 17 | IN THE MANGER
Christmas–Advent 2023
Day 17 | IN THE MANGER
IN THE MANGER
Luke 2:7-8
“While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
We know the story… and remember that the inn keeper had no room in the inn and could only offer this expectant couple a quiet and private place among the animals.
American’s – and indeed many around the world – are intrigued with the Royal Family in England. When people visit London, they watch the changing of the guard and all the pomp and circumstance that surrounds royalty and their activities.
And yet, here, over 2000 years ago, the MOST High King was born without any pomp and circumstance. Without much notice of any kind. The KING of the World had been born, the Son of the Most High God and yet, only the animals were there with Mary and Joseph on that special night.
Even without being royal, today… when we have a baby, there are procedures, helpers, breathing lessons, sterilization, cleanliness and a usually a bevy of professional people surrounding the mother with monitors on both her and the yet unborn new baby.
Jesus – and His earthly mother and father – had none of that. No medical personnel, no clean anything, no backup plan.
It’s hard to imagine how Mary felt. Nine months pregnant… ok, she’s done. Conceived by the Holy Spirit… ok; that’s never happened before, but OK. No normal birthing gear, ok, so be it; just Joseph and an assortment of animals. And yet, that was all that they needed. This child was well-planned and part of God’s plan from eternity past.
Prayer: LORD, sometimes we think that all that I can see is all that there is. But YOU have a plan that is beyond mine. Thank You for that and Lord, help me to BELIEVE. Amen.
Luke 2:7-8
“While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
We know the story… and remember that the inn keeper had no room in the inn and could only offer this expectant couple a quiet and private place among the animals.
American’s – and indeed many around the world – are intrigued with the Royal Family in England. When people visit London, they watch the changing of the guard and all the pomp and circumstance that surrounds royalty and their activities.
And yet, here, over 2000 years ago, the MOST High King was born without any pomp and circumstance. Without much notice of any kind. The KING of the World had been born, the Son of the Most High God and yet, only the animals were there with Mary and Joseph on that special night.
Even without being royal, today… when we have a baby, there are procedures, helpers, breathing lessons, sterilization, cleanliness and a usually a bevy of professional people surrounding the mother with monitors on both her and the yet unborn new baby.
Jesus – and His earthly mother and father – had none of that. No medical personnel, no clean anything, no backup plan.
It’s hard to imagine how Mary felt. Nine months pregnant… ok, she’s done. Conceived by the Holy Spirit… ok; that’s never happened before, but OK. No normal birthing gear, ok, so be it; just Joseph and an assortment of animals. And yet, that was all that they needed. This child was well-planned and part of God’s plan from eternity past.
Prayer: LORD, sometimes we think that all that I can see is all that there is. But YOU have a plan that is beyond mine. Thank You for that and Lord, help me to BELIEVE. Amen.