So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Luke 2:4-7
Can you imagine the desperation of Mary as she gives birth in a stable beside the animals? Mothers are rather particular about how they handle their babies. Weary from labor, Mary needs to lay her infant down, but there is nowhere clean for the baby. Reluctantly, she tries to prepare the animal’s food trough for her newborn. Chances are, at one time she imagined a traditional setting for the beginning of her family. Like us, she had hoped for a more comfortable future, but God, in His wisdom, led Mary to the manger.
Maybe God has led you through some situations you did not understand. Perhaps your struggles did not look like God’s caring hand upon your life. It’s possible that at some time, God has brought you to something as repulsive as the manger.
Heavenly Father, help me to trust You when life doesn’t turn out the way I hoped it would. Help me to surrender my life into Your hands. Help me to know that You have a greater plan than I can see. Please help me to keep my eyes on Jesus, even when I’m tempted to focus on the manger. Please lead me and teach me to follow You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
