What an amazing night the first Christmas Eve was! In and around Bethlehem, where shepherds tended their flocks under a canopy of stars, businesses and families were prepared for the thousands coming to register for the offi cial census under Caesar Augustus. Caravans were the common form of travel, safer in case of accident, sickness or possible attack by bandits. Normally traveling about 20 miles a day, the eighty miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem was a 4-5 day journey. Mary and Joseph probably joined a Bethlehem-bound caravan.
By the evening before the census, every conceivable lodging space in Bethlehem was filled. In the noisy crowd, a man leading a donkey that carried a teenaged girl, in labor with her first child was unremarkable. The couple searched desperately for lodging until finally, a sympathetic homeowner gave them shelter in a small cave-stable.
What was Mary thinking as she endured the arduous journey; as they searched for a place to rest her weary, pain-racked body?
Did she remember that but for the Romans, she would be Princess Mary, of the family of King David, not forced to endure this tortuous trip at the end of her pregnancy?
As she felt the baby turn within her, was she anxious about bringing a child into a world ruled by Rome’s iron fist?
Swaying interminably on the donkey; as her unborn son pressed her heavily against the donkey’s backbone, did she dread the thought of delivering her baby without the aid of a midwife, so far away from her mother?
Could she even imagine, in her swirling thoughts, what it meant to be the mother of Christ the Messiah; sent to bring life to broken and dying world?
Mary, did you know, that your baby Boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know, that your baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know, that your baby Boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you’ve delivered, will soon deliver you.
Mary, did you know, that your baby Boy would give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know, your baby Boy would calm a storm with His hands?
Did you know, that your baby Boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little Baby, you’ve kissed the face of God.
The blind will see, the deaf will hear, and the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the Lamb!
Mary, did you know, that your baby Boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know, that your baby Boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby Boy is heaven’s perfect Lamb?
This sleeping Child you’re holding is the great I AM! (MarkLowry) Mary said: “My soul exalts the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. For He has regard for the humble state of His bond slave; for behold, from this time on, all generations will count me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is His name! His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him. He has done mighty deeds…He has scattered those who were proud in their thoughts. He has brought down rulers from thrones, and exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty-handed.” (Luke 1:46-55 NASB) Infinite Grace Ministries teaches how to experience life transformation by receiving the limitless love and mercy of God. Schedule your personal appointment to learn how to unload worry in the New Year! To begin your spiritual growth journey today, visit infinitegrace.com or call 580-774-2884.
