Ater Their Long Journey to Bethlehem, Joseph and Mary Arrive Just to Find...
There is No Room in the Inn
There is No Room in the Inn
...And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) To be taxed with Mary his *espoused wife, being great (or heavy) with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that
she should be delivered.
LUKE 2:4-6
NO ROOM IN THE INN
Mary was just a young girl traveling to Bethlehem with her now husband, Joseph to pay their taxes. It had not been an easy trip by any means and I'm sure Mary was both happy and relieved to finally see Bethlehem on the horizon. She was near the end of her pregnancy and she had no immediate family with her.
However, Bethlehem was overflowing, bustling with the people who had returned for the census ordered by Caesar Augustus. One might think that because of Joseph's lineage there might be family that would be near enough to take them in, but at this point they found no one.
They found the city to be congested and busy with those that had arrived before them to register, now there was "no room for them in the inn," nor was there room at any of Joseph's family or friends that could take them in.
SETTLING DOWN IN A STABLE
They found themselves in a stable where Mary would have to deliver her child, Jesus. I can almost see the anxiety on Joseph's face as he realized Mary was in the pangs of birthing for the first time in her life. Many of us women can certainly have empathy for this young girl.
I wonder if Mary ruminated over the words that Gabriel had spoken to her, "He shall be great; and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. LUKE 1:32-33
And yet, here the Savior was going to be born and laid in a manger among the animals.
THE SON OF GOD IS BORN
Mary had finally given birth to her son, her firstborn -- the first of Mary's many children, (See MARK 6:3). However, this child was different and he stood apart from her other children. He was of course "the only-begotten Son of God!"
Christ is the exact likeness of the unseen God. He existed before God made anything at all, and in fact, Christ himself is the Creator who made everything in heaven and earth, the things we can see and the things we can't; the spirit world with its kings and kingdoms, its rulers and authorities; all were made by Christ for his own use and glory. He was before all else began and it is 'His power' that holds everything together.
(See COLOSSIANS 1:15-17)
BORN INTO LOVING ARMS
Mary wrapped her baby boy in cloth and laid in him in a manger, which in reality is a trough used for feeding the animals. All parents want to give their very best to their children and I'm sure, that deep in Mary's "heart of hearts" she would have liked to have her son born in a more distinguished atmosphere.
Still, I believe there was "more love in that little manger scene" than any of us can imagine. Joseph and Mary had done the best they could do under the circumstances and God surely had provided for all three of them.
HANDLED WITH GREAT CARE
Mary with great love cared for her infant baby as she covered her baby in bands of clothing to keep him warm and safe. She was not about to let jitters, nervousness or their circumstances distract her from providing the best care that she could!
Both she and Joseph both knew that their care for Jesus physically, and spiritually was now their first priority. They would follow God's leading in raising their firstborn child, just as every parent's goal should be!
A TIME TO REST
By now Joseph and Mary must have been exhausted, the long trip, the abundance of people in the city and the birthing of baby Jesus were just some of their tiredness. I'm sure they both settled down to just contemplate their new responsibilities as they both drifted off to sleep.
**(Joseph had married Mary but was not intimate with her until after Jesus was born and purification was completed according to the Jewish ways)
DON'T MISS THE PHOTOS OR SONG BELOW!
MUSIC:
Mary Did You Know? - Mark Lowery & Company
she should be delivered.
LUKE 2:4-6
NO ROOM IN THE INN
Mary was just a young girl traveling to Bethlehem with her now husband, Joseph to pay their taxes. It had not been an easy trip by any means and I'm sure Mary was both happy and relieved to finally see Bethlehem on the horizon. She was near the end of her pregnancy and she had no immediate family with her.
However, Bethlehem was overflowing, bustling with the people who had returned for the census ordered by Caesar Augustus. One might think that because of Joseph's lineage there might be family that would be near enough to take them in, but at this point they found no one.
They found the city to be congested and busy with those that had arrived before them to register, now there was "no room for them in the inn," nor was there room at any of Joseph's family or friends that could take them in.
SETTLING DOWN IN A STABLE
They found themselves in a stable where Mary would have to deliver her child, Jesus. I can almost see the anxiety on Joseph's face as he realized Mary was in the pangs of birthing for the first time in her life. Many of us women can certainly have empathy for this young girl.
I wonder if Mary ruminated over the words that Gabriel had spoken to her, "He shall be great; and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. LUKE 1:32-33
And yet, here the Savior was going to be born and laid in a manger among the animals.
THE SON OF GOD IS BORN
Mary had finally given birth to her son, her firstborn -- the first of Mary's many children, (See MARK 6:3). However, this child was different and he stood apart from her other children. He was of course "the only-begotten Son of God!"
Christ is the exact likeness of the unseen God. He existed before God made anything at all, and in fact, Christ himself is the Creator who made everything in heaven and earth, the things we can see and the things we can't; the spirit world with its kings and kingdoms, its rulers and authorities; all were made by Christ for his own use and glory. He was before all else began and it is 'His power' that holds everything together.
(See COLOSSIANS 1:15-17)
BORN INTO LOVING ARMS
Mary wrapped her baby boy in cloth and laid in him in a manger, which in reality is a trough used for feeding the animals. All parents want to give their very best to their children and I'm sure, that deep in Mary's "heart of hearts" she would have liked to have her son born in a more distinguished atmosphere.
Still, I believe there was "more love in that little manger scene" than any of us can imagine. Joseph and Mary had done the best they could do under the circumstances and God surely had provided for all three of them.
HANDLED WITH GREAT CARE
Mary with great love cared for her infant baby as she covered her baby in bands of clothing to keep him warm and safe. She was not about to let jitters, nervousness or their circumstances distract her from providing the best care that she could!
Both she and Joseph both knew that their care for Jesus physically, and spiritually was now their first priority. They would follow God's leading in raising their firstborn child, just as every parent's goal should be!
A TIME TO REST
By now Joseph and Mary must have been exhausted, the long trip, the abundance of people in the city and the birthing of baby Jesus were just some of their tiredness. I'm sure they both settled down to just contemplate their new responsibilities as they both drifted off to sleep.
**(Joseph had married Mary but was not intimate with her until after Jesus was born and purification was completed according to the Jewish ways)
DON'T MISS THE PHOTOS OR SONG BELOW!
MUSIC:
Mary Did You Know? - Mark Lowery & Company
JOSEPH AND MARY GAZE UPON JESUS
THE BABY JESUS!
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