Merry & Bright 2024

Think of all the unfortunate things that happened that first Christmas. The circumstance was definitely not perfect with Mary's pregnancy before marriage. The location in a stable was not perfect. The bed was not perfect for the new baby - a manger. Even the timing of his birth was not perfect, during the census. To us, it looks imperfect but Gods circumstance, location, bed and the timing was perfect. Luke 2: 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." He saw the big picture!

Why was Jesus born of a virgin birth? We needed this "circumstance" of Mary and Joseph to show that this was supernatural. Jesus was set apart from humans. Luke 1: 34, "'How will this be,' Mary asked the angel, 'since I am a virgin?'” His supernatural conception and birth, his supernatural resurrection from the dead showed the supernatural work of His Father. Why was Jesus born in a manger? Manger translated to a feeding trough. In that part of the world animals were kept in caves and the feeding troughs were made out of stone. This would show humility and accessibility. He was wrapped in swaddling cloths like any peasant of that time. Isaiah 9: 6, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Humility was how Jesus lived his whole life and ministry. When He died He was buried in a borrowed grave - another cave.

Why would he be born in Bethlehem? Because the Old Testament Prophet Micah prophesied that the birth of Jesus would take place in Bethlehem. Micah 5: 2, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Why during a first time census? It was critical that Joseph and Mary go to Bethlehem, their own city, so they would be there when the Messiah was born so the prophecy of Micah would come to pass. God knew exactly when Jesus would be born! Even though Caesar Augustus was ignorant of the Word of God, he was a main player in bringing the prophecy to pass which shows the supernatural work of Almighty God! The virgin birth, no room at the inn and the census were no surprises to God. He planned it that way, it was the perfect birth! Matthew 19: 26, "With God all things are possible." Trust! You know He can handle your stuff!