Inspire

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 cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:4-7

I have some friends who are moving over the summer. It has been a challenge for them at this time of year: packing boxes, deciding what they need easy access to over Christmas, and trying to make space for Christmas planning and celebrations in between. For some, the challenge is multiplied exponentially by trying to find a house to rent. Trying application after application, only to be turned away time and time again, simply because there are too many people trying to find rental accommodation at the same time.

I think of Mary, who was the mother of Jesus, at the time where she was close to giving birth to Jesus. The journey was approximately 65 miles, and likely took approximately 5 days. When they arrived at Bethlehem, the inns were all booked out. I can only guess if it was a feeling of relief or disgust (or both) when they were able to stay in a stable overnight as a place for Mary to give birth.

I wonder at exactly how that came about. Today, I suspect most property managers of rentals would not have listened to Joseph and Mary’s story and empathised enough to offer a shed in the backyard. It’s just not done. And yet, God found a way through the generosity of others to provide shelter for him to come to Earth in the form a baby. Vulnerable, dependent on a young mother and father, and on a property owner willing to share what they had.

That’s the thing about the events at Christmas. God didn’t come to the world in fanfare and glory. He came as a child, dependent on parents who had very little, housed in a shed for animals, swaddled in spare cloth and laying in a food trough. God became human, a real human, in real circumstances.

I pray thanks to God for this huge hope in a tiny package. And I pray that we can find it in our hearts at Christmas time to share this hope, and perhaps listen to the circumstances of others and lend a hand, whether that be a shed in the backyard, a donated gift to a Christmas appeal, or an offer to a neighbour in need.

Blessings to you all this Christmas.

Submitted by Leila Mattner