GOD WITH US
Bernadette Keene
Today’s Scripture: “And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” Luke 2:6-7, ESV
Theme: Regardless of your Christmas setting, we can celebrate that Jesus has walked in our shoes. God is with us!
THE PLACE
The location of Jesus’ birth has been a topic of discussion for years. Most people are familiar with the traditional Christmas story about Mary and Joseph and all the events that led them to Bethlehem. However, we are not actually sure of the exact location of His birth. The account of Mary and Joseph’s journey in Luke 2:7 tells us that there was no room in the inn for them. Most people believe that the inn was a type of hotel or hostel, but the word “inn” in Greek is “kataluma,” which is translated as “guest room.” It could be that Jesus was born on the lower lever of the house they were supposed to be guests in. This area of the house is where animals were typically sheltered, meaning there would have been feeding troughs or mangers nearby.
THE REASON
The important thing is not the location of the birth, but that the prophecy in Micah 5:2 was fulfilled, which states the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. The manger is a glimpse at the heart of God. He made the choice to experience life as we do, revealing His desire for us to know Him intimately and for us to be able to relate to Him. He chose to make Himself vulnerable for us, leaving His heavenly throne and becoming human. He did not choose a palace or a gated community; He did not arrive as royal elite. He humbled Himself, allowing access to whosoever would come. He became one of us to be with us. Immanuel – He meets us where we are. Listen to this song, "Emmanuel" by Hannah Kerr.
Make It Personal:
“Sweet and Gentle Savior” ~ By Bernadette Keene
Star up high in heaven, angels wing their flight
Guiding wisemen onward, silent holy night.
Baby wrapped in swaddling, rare and precious birth
Love came down as sacrifice, redeemer to the earth.
Sweet and gentle Savior,
I'm so glad you came,
Since the day I met you, life hasn't been the same.
My kinsman my protector,
Guardian of my heart
Your love came down and rescued me, never to depart.
Pray: Lord, as we celebrate Your birth, I pray that we will remember that You are always with us. In this Christmas season and every season of life, You remain Immanuel. Amen.
Read: Matthew 1:23, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 139:1-6
Weekly Memory Verse: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14, ESV