She Laid Him in a Manger – Luke 2:7

Mary and Joseph traveled about 90 miles to Bethlehem to be registered for the census and to pay taxes. The engaged couple were not intimate but Mary was expecting a son. We have become so familiar with the narrative of Jesus’ birth that we can miss how scared, alone, and confused Mary and Joseph must have felt. Imagine if you were on vacation and had to give birth on the side of the road because there was no other option for you. Imagine having no family support for the first few days after you delivered your child. If we are not careful to read and understand the setting of the narrative we can wrongly assume that it was a peaceful, easy night. 

• The Savior of the world was born without a home. 
• The Savior of the world was born to young parents.
• The Savior of the world was born in the lowest place. 

Sometimes God’s plan begins in an unconventional way. 

The birth of Jesus is a celebration that the God of the Universe stepped into human existence and put on flesh so that He could put on our sin and shame. This mission of hope and restoration was promised to the nation of Israel throughout their history and became a reality for all humans when Jesus entered the earth. 

It was not a random event – it was perfectly planned by God. Jesus’ birth, life, and death fulfill the Old Testament prophecies and still His grace extends beyond the nation of Israel to all people. 

Jesus wasn’t the Messiah that some expected but he is the King that we all desperately need. 

God is in control. His plans are perfect. 

Live It: 

• Are you in a season that seems random, unconventional, or out of control? 
• How can you take steps to rely on God during that season? 

Christ Chronological: Matthew 1:18-25 & Luke 2:1-7

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