Welcome back to the second of our Advent devotionals as we travel through the gospel of Luke.
Chapter 2 offers us the essence of the Christmas story, told to Luke by Mary, the only living eyewitness to most of these events. By the time Luke is writing his gospel around AD 60, Zecharias, Elizabeth, Simeon, Anna and even Joseph have died. This chapter is full of the private ponderings of Mary’s heart down through the years. No other gospel gives such an intimate glimpse into her heart.
As Jesus’ parents arrive in Bethlehem, Joseph and Mary are both tired from their journey. Mary is in labor, and Joseph can’t find a place for her to give birth! What is Joseph to do? If you knew your child was to be the Son of God, how would you feel under these circumstances? Overwhelmed? Anxious? Stressed?
Will the Lord fling open the doors of Herod’s palace so that the King of Heaven can be born in regal style? No. Instead, the Lord leads the couple to a manger. When people come to a palace, they bring gifts and tributes, but when sheep and oxen come to a manger, they expect to receive sustenance. And so, we too come to Jesus to receive His gift of salvation: “Immanuel” – God is with us.
Neither Mary nor Joseph was certain what the next step would bring. Are you facing anxiety or confusion in this season? Are you exhaisted? Remember today that, no matter your circumstances, God is with you.
