“and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7
Experiencing the pangs of childbirth gives many women a new identification with Mary. In our Western culture we have everything planned out, sometimes even the actual delivery date for an elective c-section!
We identify with the pain she was experiencing and weep with her as she experienced her labor which was probably spent riding around on an animal looking for a place where she could safely deliver her Son.
We deliver our babies in hospitals, birthing centers or our homes, all of which have been carefully prepared and cleaned in anticipation of the impending arrival.
Mary delivered her Son, the Savior of the World in the most humble of circumstances, an animal stable. There was no royal palace or designer linens and probably no midwives or other medical personnel.
This lowly place of his birth should cause us to think about the value that God places on humility. God despises the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6)
Some questions to ask yourself this Christmas season:
- Are you leaving room “at the inn” of your heart for Jesus?
- What are some things that will keep Him distant?
- Is the busyness of Christmas preparations distracting you from fellowship with Him?
- Are you keeping a humble heart and looking for ways to share Jesus with a lost and dying world?
Christmas is really a great time to reflect on your Christian walk and make sure that it is inline with the will of God.
About CSAHM
Good post. It is something to imagine Mary’s situation. Was she thinking – at all – about what the angel of the Lord had told her and wondering what the future had in store for her special child – more than any other mother? Can you imagine holding the Son of God in your arms as a newborn babe? Being his mother? I am always so humbled by her situation – by her role in Jesus’ life. To have been the one to carry the Lord in your body and give birth to Him and watch Him grow and then see His death as it was. It isn’t about worshipping Mary – but I do think we can certainly feel for her and relate to her as a mother and be thankful for how God has blessed our lives this season.
I’m so happy I stumbled upon this site! I was pondering these very things just today as my young sister in law began seeking answers about God. This encouragement and motivation was just what I needed.
Blessings,
Sasha