“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.” (Luke 2:7)
When we look at the many different nativity scenes which we see this time of the year, our thoughts are upon the Lord and the gift of life given to the world. Our prayer is that lost souls will receive the free gift of salvation and be set free with a new hope and purpose in life. Jesus is the gift that keeps on giving and makes life worth living.
Our Lord is the reason for every season, as He puts his love within our hearts The scene of his birth is painted within, as a picture of God clothed in flesh to dwell among men. He was deity to dwell in the midst of a sinful and fallen world. As God the Son, had power to offer up the supreme sacrifice to bring mankind back into a covenant relationship with the Father.
We could never fully comprehend the glory which lay in the manager on that day of His birth. He was the ‘Living Bread of Life’ who would feed hungry souls. He was the ‘Living Water’ for the thirsty and a ‘fountain of salvation’ for all. He is still all this and more to His children.
The angels in heaven rejoiced as God’s plan was fulfilled and the Word became flesh to dwell among men. The Mother of Jesus was called “blessed among all women” and would be remembered as chosen of God to bring forth His great gift to all men. She would be the first to carry “the hope of salvation” and later the Word made flesh would carry her and all the weight of the sins of the world to Calvary’s cross.
The King of Kings had come to earth. Even as there was no room for him in the inn in that day, there are still a lost multitude who will make no room for him in their hearts this day. May our prayers continue to be for His Holy Spirit to convict souls that they might see Christ who invites them to come unto Him and receive life, light ,and love. Hearts of men must be prepared and as they hear the good news of salvation, the Holy Spirit will convince and bring them to a saving knowledge of Christ.
May we let the Messiah be the message of Christmas. The Christ child, who was the Savior, still calls all to be part of the royal family. From humble beginnings to the holy of holies, He reigns forevermore and dwells in the hearts of men. The nativity scene reminds us of His glorious light which shines in darkness in this world. The babe in the scene is the Savior who reigns in our lives today. May He be glorified as we sing “peace on earth and good will to men.” There is a great day coming when all will be peace, love, and good will for all eternity. For a child of God, the best is yet to come!
Blessings in Christ,
Jo Ann Kelly © 2004, 2002.
J. P.’s Inspirations http://www.my.homewithgod.com/jpinspirations/ This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits intact, for non-profit ministering purposes.