Journey of a Lifetime part 5
From a manger in Bethlehem
Oh Hello! You found me?!! Shhh. You’ll have to pardon my whispering, but he is asleep in the manger, and I don’t want to awaken him. After we parted last night, the pains intensified and it was then that I knew it was more than a stitch in my side. Joseph was desperate to find us a place to stay and led the donkey from inn to inn inquiring for a room. It was the same everywhere. “Full up.” I watched his face, I saw the concern, the frustration, and the shame trying to take hold of him. “Joseph, I called to him. Please, don’t be hard on yourself. If I hadn’t made us stop so many times on the road… Don’t blame yourself. God sees you are trying, and you and He have taken such good care of us all the way. His ear is not deaf nor His hand shortened…” At that Joseph brightened and said, “you are right Mary, my brave and beautiful wife! Let’s pray.” So we prayed and asked the Lord for His provision and the place He would have us to stay and await the birth of Jesus. Joseph went to one more inn and though it was full, the keeper was kindly. He said, “You young folks should have arrived sooner, you know.” Joseph answered, “Yes, sir I know! But have you ever traveled with a woman laden with child? Even now her pains are upon her!”
“What’s this? The innkeeper cried. “We must do something about that. Let me fetch my servant girl, she will take you around back, I have a stable there. It isn’t much, but it is private, and sheltered. She will help you get situated”
And so, that is how we came to be here. This is a lovely stable. It is the innkeeper’s private stable, where he keeps his own animals. It is away from the open courtyard and the public stables where most travelers put their stock. It is as most stables go. One side for tethering the animals, and the other side for storing the hay and feed for them. Joseph helped the servant girl to mound a bunch of the sweet smelling hay and put down a blanket for me to lie on.
AAAHHH! OWWWW. OOOOHHH! How long??? Lord! Help me! I am afraid! Suddenly I heard the words from King David- “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” Oh Lord, I put my trust in thee. Help me! Now I could hear God reminding me of the words of the Prophet Esaias; “ Fear not! There is nothing to fear, for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and harden you to difficulties, yes I will help you, yes, I will hold you up and retain you with MY victorious right hand of righteousness and justice.”
Oh Lord! You are so good to me! Thank you! I need your strength. I need your hand to hold me, I need your power to endure and prevail. I’ve never been this way before…
“ I know Mary, but when you said yes to ME that day back by the spinning wheel, and you allowed ME to overshadow you, did you think I would then leave you to fend for yourself? I WILL bring you through, every step of the way. You are not alone! I will not leave you. Your life and times are in MY hands. I am well pleased Mary, that you have trusted me even to this day, though it has not always been easy. There will be times again that will be hard for you. But remember, I AM with you! Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
The Lord made my delivery lively and quick, just like that of the Hebrew women when Moses was born! May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless my dear Joseph! Men are not usually around during the woman’s darkest time, that is for the womenfolk to see to and deal with. But it was just me and Joseph and God in this little stable last night. Until the miracle happened. What miracle you ask? Why, when HE was born, of course! Isn’t he the most beautiful baby in the whole world? His name is JESUS. After that it got quite lively around here!
He was born and suddenly the whole stable lit up in light. Gabriel appeared to me once again, this time with a contingency of other angels shouting praises and singing glories unto God. ‘Yea, Lord, we greet thee, Born this happy morning; Jesus, to thee be glory given; Word of the Father, Now in flesh appearing; O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O Come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord’. ‘Then he spoke to me and said, “Blessed art thou among women Mary. For the Lord who called thee by name, has kept you and brought you to this day. And now you have brought forth the Son of His Promise. He has sent me to announce Him, who shall save His people. But first I had to come see the Ancient of Days clothed in humanity!”
With that, he was gone. But the angel song has stirred up the whole stable, and all the creatures were making a racket, like they too were singing praises unto God! It was such a sight and noise indeed! Next, shepherds came running in a short time later, saying they had seen an angel who announced the birth of the Saviour! I knew who that angel was! And they said a heavenly choir filled the sky singing. Well, they had certainly filled this little stable with as many as they could squeeze in! I couldn’t imagine how many must have filled the sky! Yes, it’s been quite an eventful night! But now HE is here!
You must excuse me now. I really need some sleep! Please come again to see him when he is awake, ok? You’ll want to hold him close to your heart. I know I do!
1. When times are hard, do you ask why, or do you press in to Him as never before?
2. When you wish people were there with you and they aren't, and things are not going the way you would choose and desire for them to, do you shut down, or stand up?
3. Do disappointments leave you wondering if you are loved, or do you yet believe His hand IS upon you and trust even when everyone/everything seems silent?
Why don't you write out a letter expressing your hurts and disappointments, and then state 1 or 2 scripture promises that covers the situation(s).
Thank you Lord that you know the beginning from the end. That nothing takes You by surprise. Thank you that you never leave us or forsake us! Thank you for being the friend that sticks closer than a brother. Lord, You know my down sitting and my uprising. You know every word in my heart before it ever leaves my tongue! Thank You Jesus for leaving Heaven and coming to Earth. Thank you for making that sacrifice to come to earth, to redeem us back to God. Thank you for granting the privilege of carrying You in my heart. Jesus I DO adore you. May You always find room in this heart of mine. Amen.