Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Luke 2:1-7 (NIV)
The Birth of Jesus
2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no guest room available for them.
In light of the promises of Luke 1:30-35, how might Mary have felt as she waited to deliver her baby?
Mary and Joseph were alone the night when Jesus was born. Although Joseph knew that Mary had not been unfaithful, to everyone else around, it looked as if she had. Mary must have been bewildered by what was going on. Being a young teen having her first baby, Mary would have benefited by having her mother with her to assist her in giving birth. But she was far from home. Instead of being in a comfortable place surrounded by support and love, she was surrounded by the stench of farm animals. Yet, she knew that this was God’s son and she wasn’t alone. She held onto the promises she had received. Waiting is difficult, whether it is for the birth of a child, the results of a test, or for the resolution of anything that could ultimately change life as I know it. Lord, let me trust in You no matter what situation I find myself in. You loved me so much that You gave Your only begotten Son to leave the comforts of the Heavenly realm to be born on this earth in a stinky stable. You subjected Yourself to humility, rejection, and death to be a sacrifice for my sins. While You were here, You showed me the way to share Your love with those around me. After You returned to heaven, You covered me with Your Spirit to help me wait for Your return. Thank You for Your mercy and grace. I trust in You as I wait because I know that I am never alone. No matter how bewildered I am by what is going on, You are my hope, my strength, my comfort, my peace, and my everlasting God. Amen