The Christmas season is upon us. Like most families, we have some special Christmas traditions. One of my favorites is making homemade pizzas on Christmas eve. Everyone gets to make their own, and I must say, the competition is real! Shortly after we get home from church and the pizzas are in the oven, we then gather by the Christmas tree to read the Christmas story from the bible (Luke 2:1-20) by far my most favored part of the evening. This story never gets old.
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.
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. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 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.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Without these events there would be no Christmas to celebrate. Holding these truths in my heart, I not only see a baby in the manger…I now know there is a Message In The Manager… A message of Hope for everyone.
Message: God will do WHATEVER it takes to POSITION you where His will can be accomplished through you.
Fact: God used the census called by the Roman Emperor to position Joseph and Mary to be in Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus, so what was told about the savior, would come to pass (Luke 2:1-2).
It wasn’t about the census as some may presume, but rather it was about POSITIONING! When circumstances arise in your life which you simply do not understand, trust God is positioning things in accordance with His plan and purpose for your life!
Message: God can make His presence know anywhere, anytime and in anyway He deems necessary.
Fact: Jesus was born in a humble stable, in the back hills of Bethlehem (Luke 2:6-7). A secluded place, no one nearby to notice. Yet His birth was proclaimed by the angels (Luke 2:10-11).
If you are feeling forgotten and lonely today, be encouraged God knows exactly where you are and he is able to connect you with people and resources. God has not forsaken you. He is working His plan for your life.
Message: God transcends all barriers and boundaries. His love transcends any cultural divides.
Fact: God chose the Shepherds to hear the Good News of the baby’s birth (Luke 2:8-9). He could have chosen the elite of society, yet he chose humble shepherds.
No matter where you see yourself and your circumstances today, God’s plans are not limited to social, economic or geographical boundaries. No one is too far off for God to reach or a circumstance too far in despair for God to change. Whatever it is you need in your life, God is able to provide.
Message: God desires for you to experience his presence.
Fact: The Shepherds hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger just as it was told (Luke 2:16).
Once you have experienced God’s presence, in a personal way, your life will be forever changed. Like the Shepherds, you will be compelled to share the joy of encountering God with others.
This Christmas season, look beyond the baby in the manger and open your heart to hear the message in the manger. God is love! Jesus is a gift to you and His message is one of Hope. For God so loved the world that He ‘gave’ His only begotten Son, that whosoever shall believe on Him shall have everlasting life (John 3:16).
Merry Christmas to you and your family! May God’s love fill your hearts to overflowing.
-Lucy Ann
Challenge Question:
Do you know someone who could use some encouragement? Be a gift giver this Christmas and share the love of Jesus with them in a tangible way!
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