The Birth

Lk. 2:19

But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.

 

Joseph and Mary, his betrothed,  made the long and arduous journey to Bethlehem to pay their taxes. Why Bethlehem? Because Joseph was of the house and lineage of David [an all important fact]. While they were there, Mary went into labor. Since there was no room for them in the inn, they went to the stable where she delivered her firstborn son. Wrapping Him in swaddling clothes, she laid Him in the manger. Definitely from a human standpoint, it was a lowly beginning. But the location was not the only important thing about his birth.

 

Immediately, an  angel accompanied by a heavenly host, began praising God saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased! How many births are accompanied by a heavenly chorus? Only one, this one specifically! His birth was bringing glory to God because He was humbling Himself and limiting Himself to the bounds of flesh in obedience to the Father.

 

Once again, the lowliness of Jesus' birth was emphasized when the angels spoke to the shepherds, lowly and uneducated men. They had no problem with the announcement, they knew that the Lord had spoken to them. Perhaps, this demonstrates that humility is related to obedience. Not only did they believe, but they departed with haste to see the birth! After they had seen the baby, they returned glorifying and praising God. This was no ordinary night for the shepherds! They had witnessed God becoming man!   

 

But Mary treasured these things, pondering them in her heart. Could it be that she had an inkling that her baby would not be hers for long? Was she savoring and making memories that would be hers in the days to come? Just imagine, she was an integral part of God becoming man! What she experienced no other person in the entire world would ever experience! Of course, she would treasure each moment and think long and hard about these moments. Before long, it was time for  Jesus to be  circumcised and given the name Jesus, a name given by the angel.  Definitely, Jesus had humble beginnings that reflected His humility and obedience, but yet at the same time there was clear evidence of the Divine! Jesus was the God/man!

 

Father,

Teach me how to treasure and ponder all that is in Your word. Grow me in my faith and obedience.  t

In Jesus name,

Amen