She Gave Birth To Her Firstborn Son

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Luke 2:1-7

Many of us did not have a lot of earthly possessions when our first child was born. Birth is a beautiful experience. Think what it must have been for Mary, a virgin, who had a child growing in her womb. A child that she had no idea of what to expect. And yet she trusted God to provide. Imagine what would have been going through her mind when she and Joseph could find no place to have Jesus. And then think about the wonder she must have experienced as the wise men delivered their gifts. Hard to imagine, even today, what must have been going on in her mind.

Luke 2:1-7

Think about others who have little during this holiday season, and given to them to honor Him. We truly can cast all of our cares on Him. In Christ, we find shelter.

Our Daily Bread – December 17, 2006