WAITING FOR THE TIME TO COME

THE TIME CAME

OUR TEXT TODAY COMES FROM Luke 2:1-7,

THE KEY VERSES ARE 6 AND 7

While Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem, the time came for Mary to have the baby. She gave birth to her first son (Jesus). There was not enough room for them in the house. So Mary wrapped the baby with pieces of cloth and laid the baby in a box where cattle are fed.

WORDS OF MINISTRY FROM TODAY’S TEXT:

We all wait on tiptoe for the birth of a child in our families. We are waiting for the time to come. No one can be sure when that is. Some women may debate about how the baby is being carried and speculate on the arrival date.

Doctors and nurses will talk about subtle body signals, dilation, and effacement, but they can't be sure either. Young children awaiting a new sibling will drive everyone crazy by asking every day for months if this is the day. Imagine the excitement among the angels of heaven at this birth!

It wasn't just Joseph and Mary, but the hosts of heaven that awaited Jesus' birth. So at "just the right time" the "time came for her baby to be born." Like any good mother, Mary welcomed her child and God began His gracious and sacrificial journey through humanity, swaddled at His birth like every other baby born, but with His bed made His bed in a manger like no other.

The question you and I face is whether or not we will give God a room in the most important place of our hearts.

TODAY’S PRAYER:

How do I comprehend your gracious and sacrificial love, dear Father? Coming in human flesh as a baby! Swaddled in strips of cloth like the babies of that day!

Making your bed in a manger! Holy God, my Abba Father, please know that I want you to make your place in my heart. You are welcome here. Your presence is desired.

Thank you for the grace of coming in Jesus. Thank you for your grace of also coming to live in me through your Spirit.

 In Jesus' name Amen.