Minister’s Corner: There was no room

We read in Luke’s gospel that Joseph and Mary went to the city of Bethlehem to be taxed. Mary was about ready to deliver her child at this time, but law was law. In verses 6-7, we read, “And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
Can we even conceive of what Christ gave up in heaven to come to the earth and suffer the indignities of being born a human and experiencing the human condition? And then on top of that, He allowed Himself to be born in a stable with a feeding trough as a bed. The Bible says that there was no room in the inn, but God would not have it any other way: it was divine providence that the stable was chosen as His birth place. It boggles the imagination to think that the King of Glory would be willing to do that for His creation, and yet, there are many in this world who will not acknowledge what Christ has done for humanity in becoming flesh and walking among us, and finally submitting to a cruel death upon the cross for the salvation of man.
This Thursday, we will celebrate Christmas with all the trimmings and the presents and the sumptuous meal, but let’s not forget that what we are celebrating is the birth of our Savior. What a monumental event! What a stupendous happening! What a joyous day as we give thanks to the God of glory that He sent His precious son to this earth to show us the way!