“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 2:5-7 (NIV)
Key points:
- Jesus’ birth is an encouragement to put aside our perfect plans and humble ourselves, making room for His remarkable story for each of us.
- Listen to this episode of Real Hope in the player above or wherever you get your podcasts.
Earlier this year, my niece announced that she was pregnant.
Announcements like these often prompt other mums to reflect on their pregnancies and birth stories.
It can make for vibrant conversation as there’s always something dramatic somewhere in each story.
I can imagine the mums of Mary’s time gathering to share their stories.
I wonder how Mary shared hers?
I wonder the reaction to her baby’s first bed being a feeding trough for animals, or the lack of availability of a guest room.
Then there were the visitors after the fact.
Jesus’ birth is an encouragement to put aside our perfect plans and humble ourselves, making room for His remarkable story for each of us.
In the tussle for attention and sharing the best dramatic moment, Mary’s would surely have been a standout story.
It still is today.
As we, today, reflect back on Jesus’ story, we see the remarkable and humble beginning.
A home birth in the home of an unsuspecting family member who already had a house full of other guests, was hardly a fitting welcome for the King of Kings.
Listen to this episode of Real Hope in the player above or wherever you get your podcasts.
Yet, this humble beginning was the start of a life so world-changing that millions continue to believe the truth of this remarkable story and all of the truths that followed throughout His life.
At Christmas time, we can feel pressure for everything to be perfect.
But as we reflect on the story of Jesus’ birth, it’s an encouragement to, in all things, put aside our perfect plans and humble ourselves, making room for His remarkable story for each of us.
Listen to this episode of Real Hope in the player above or wherever you get your podcasts.
Subscribe to the YouVersion plan or listen to Real Hope | The Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
Feature image: Photo by CanvaPro
Devotion written by Susan Holt (originally published as ‘Remarkable and Humble’).
Feature image: CanvaPro
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