The Arrival

  "And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered...... Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:1,4-7)

    As we approach the Christmas season I am reminded of one of my favorite stories, told by one of my favorite story tellers, Max Lucado. Pastor Lucado is the master of the word picture and his words always paint a visual picture for his readers that make a story come alive. I have often said "that when I grow up I want to be able to write like him." This story is entitled: The Arrival.

     "The noise and the bustle began earlier than usual in the village. As night gave way to dawn, people were already on the streets. Vendors were positioning themselves on the corners of the most heavily traveled avenues. Store owners were unlocking the doors of their shops. Children were awakened by the excited barking of the street dogs and the complaints of the donkeys pulling carts.

     The owner of the inn had awakened earlier than most in the town. After all, the inn was full, all the beds taken. Every available mat or blanket had been put to use. Soon all the customers would be stirring and there would be a lot of work to do.

   Our imagination is kindled thinking about the conversation the innkeeper and his family at the breakfast table. Did anyone mention the arrival of the young couple the night before? Did anyone ask about their welfare? Did anyone comment on the pregnancy of the girl on the donkey? Perhaps. Perhaps someone raised the subject. But at best, it was raised, not discussed. There was nothing that novel about them. They were, possibly, one of several families turned away that night.

    Besides, who had time to talk about them when there was so much excitement in the air? Augustus did the economy of Bethlehem a favor when he decreed that a census should be taken. Who could remember such commerce in the village?

     No, it is doubtful that anyone mentioned the couple's arrival or wondered about the condition of the girl. They were too busy. The day was upon them. The day's bread had to be made. The morning's chores had to be done. There was too much to do to imagine that the impossible had occurred.

    God had entered the world as a baby.

     Yet, were someone to chance upon the sheep stale on the outskirts of Bethlehem that morning, what a peculiar scene they would behold.

     The stable stinks like all stables do. The stench of urine, dung, and sheep reeks pungently in the air. The ground is hard, the hay scarce. Cobwebs cling to the ceiling and a mouse scurries across the dirt floor.

     A more lowly place of birth could not exist.

     Off to one side sit a group of shepherds. They sit silently on the floor, perhaps perplexed, perhaps in awe, no doubt in amazement. The night watch had been interrupted by an explosion of light from heaven and a symphony of angels. God goes to those who have time to hear Him--so on this cloudless night He simply went to shepherds.

    Near the young mother sits the weary father. If anyone is dozing, he is. He can't remember the last time he sat down. And now that the excitement has subsided a bit, now that Mary and the baby are comfortable, he leans against the wall of the stable and feels his eyes grow heavy. He still hasn't figured it all out. The mystery of the event puzzles him. but he hasn't the energy to wrestle with the questions. What's important is that the baby is fine and that Mary is safe. As sleep comes he remembers the name the angel told him to use...Jesus. "We shall call Him Jesus."

    Wide awake is Mary. My, how young she looks! Her head rests on the soft leather of Joseph's saddle. The pain has been eclipsed by wonder. She looks into the face of the baby. Her son. Her Lord. His Majesty. At this point in history, the human being who best understands who God is an what he is doing is a teenage girl in a smelly stable. She can't take her eyes off Him. Somehow Mary knows she is holding God. So this is He. She remembers the words of the angel. "His kingdom will never end."

    He looks anything like a king. His face is prunish and red. His cry, thought strong and healthy, is still the helpless and piercing cry of a baby. And He is absolutely dependent upon Mary for His well-being.

    Majesty in the midst of the mundane. Holiness in the filth of sheep manure and sweat. Divinity entering the world on the floor of a stable, through the womb of a teenager and in the presence of a carpenter.

     She touches the face of the infant God. How long was Your journey?

     This baby had overlooked the universe. These rags keeping Him warm were the robes of eternity. His golden throne room had been abandoned in favor of a dirty sheep pen. And worshiping angels had been replaced with kind but bewildered shepherds.

    Meanwhile, the city hums. The merchants are unaware that God has visited their planet. The innkeeper would never believe that he had just sent God into the cold. And the people would scoff at anyone who told them the Messiah lay in the arms of teenager on the outskirts of their village. They were all too busy to consider the possibility.

   Those who missed His Majesty's arrival that night missed it not because of evil acts or malice: no, they missed it because they simply weren't looking.

    Little has changed in the last two thousand years, has it?

(by Max Lucado in the book "God Came Near")

PRAY:

1. Lord help me this Christmas season to remember that You were willing to come down and live among us and die on a cross for our sins and to redeem us to live for You.
2. Help me today to look for those I come in contact to make sure they know about You and what You have done for me and for all who will put their faith in you.
3. Thank You Lord, for adopting me as Your child and fill me with Your Spirit today so that I might live this day for You and for Your kingdom which will never end!