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NOT JUST ANOTHER NIGHTOn what was likely a cold and rainy night in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago 2 weary travelers made their way out of the hill country to a town in search of a place to rest. Because they were not people of means, Mary and Joseph had made the journey on foot with the help of donkeys, even though Mary was 9 moths pregnant. The overcrowded city offered the desperate couple no accommodations, so they resorted to a stable.
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According to the Jewish tradition, the stable behind the inn would have been a rudimentary cave like those that perforate the hills around Bethlehem today. The young girl gave birth to her baby on the hard ground of a cold damp dark stable. |
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Mary did not have a doctor or midwife to assitst her through the labor. Only Joseph and the animals were present for the delivery. Because there was no cradle, she wrapped her tiny infant in cloths and laid him in a feeding trough. There was not a ceremony when this King entered the world. |
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On that night in Bethlehem the world was transformed. Almighty God through His Son Jesus reached down to forgive us of our sin, make us children of God, and transform us into His likeness. Jesus is our only hope. He is the only One who can make it possible for us to stand in the presence of His Father and receive heaven as our eternal home. |
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This is what Christmas is all about. Jesus is not only the reason for the season; He is the reason for our joy, peace, happiness, and eternal assurance. The priceless gift of Jesus is available to every person on earth. No, Christmas was not just another night. |
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