“She gave birth to her firstborn Son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” 

Luke 2:7 (ESV)

Caesar Augustus decreed that all of the Roman Empire would participate in a census for the purpose of taxation. Each person must travel to their own city. Joseph was a descendant of King David and was from the city of Bethlehem, 80 miles from Nazareth.

Pregnant Mary went with Joseph. Place yourself in Mary’s sandals. The Bible doesn’t indicate that she rode a donkey. Whether Mary walked the entire way or rode for part of the way, she must have been very uncomfortable.

When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, the small town must have been swarming with people, and there was no room for them. Some believe that the Son of God was born in a cave where animals were kept. Others believe He was born in a poor person’s home where the animals were kept downstairs. Others imagine that Jesus was born in the courtyard of the inn.

We know that Mary wrapped Jesus in long strips of cloth, the custom in those days. She laid Him in a manger. Mangers were feeding troughs for the animals.  

There, in a feeding trough, lay the Promised Messiah.

I wonder what Mary was thinking.

Just a few months before, she had praised and magnified the Lord for the great things He had done for Israel and for honoring her by choosing her to carry the Messiah in her womb. 

“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For He took notice of His lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed.”

Luke 1:46-48 (NLT)

Soon, shepherds arrived. People thought shepherds were dishonest. They were scorned as outcasts and sinners. 

Born to a poor virgin. Laid in a feeding trough. Announced by angels. Worshipped by shepherds. Behold Our Savior!

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I wonder what Mary was thinking.

Glory in the Highest … worship among the lowest.

“But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.”

Luke 2:19 (ESV)

God, our LORD, You delight in bringing honor to the humble and lowly. May we not judge as the world judges. May we see our circumstances as Your good plans for us. Empower us to understand others as You know them. Lord, we want to comprehend Your ways. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Reflections

1. Read Luke 1:46-56 and Luke 2:1-20. How would you have reacted if you had been Mary?
2. What do the Scriptures reveal about God? About Mary?
3. How will you personalize this devotion?

What Christmas memory are you treasuring in your heart?

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Behold Our Savior … 31 Reflections

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