Four Days and Three Nights

We made reservations and paid in advance for our stay. We eagerly counted down the days until the appointed check-in time. Upon our arrival, we receive a warm welcome.  Four days and three nights, carved out for our 40th anniversary get-away.  Standing on the seashore holding a hot cup of coffee, it hits me; there is room for us.

Christ came to earth, a newborn King, yet there was no room for Him.  Those who came to register in Bethlehem overwhelmed the town.  Visitors packed into every available space, leaving none for the birth of the Messiah. So when the appointed time came, Mary and Joseph settled into a space usually reserved for livestock. The birth of His only begotten Son did not catch God unaware or off-guard. Perhaps, like my husband and I, He carefully considered various times and locations before carving out the time and space needed for Jesus.

His Plans Are Perfect

He would have known a decree for the registration would take Joseph to Bethlehem. There is no need for Plan B.  Mary wrapped her baby in cloths and laid Him in the manger that God chose with His foreknowledge.  God is purposeful and intentional.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12

God planned the sign for the shepherds; He issued an invitation to a stable that many down through history would covet.  And He presented it to lowly shepherds—the perfect location for those familiar with livestock. Would they have seen Christ if Joseph reserved a room at the best accommodations in Bethlehem?

A Room With A View

 After viewing the Living Sign, they returned to their flocks praising and rejoicing.  Mary is left treasuring all the details in her heart. And we are made aware of it all. Now it’s our turn to make room. It’s our turn to be purposeful and intentional about making Christ the center of our plans as we celebrate His miraculous birth. And it’s our turn to praise, rejoice, and treasure all the gifts of this season.

Let’s Reflect

What space have you prepared for Christ in this season? How much room have you left for praising, rejoicing, and treasuring Him?

Let’s Pray

Lord, have Your will and way in our lives. We surrender to Your plans for us in this season. We praise You and rejoice in You. And we treasure each experience. You give us. In Your mighty name, Amen.