Today is Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009; Karen's Korner #1723

"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 room for them in the inn."
~ Luke 2:4-7 NIV
 
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Bible Commentary (in part):  "Stables were often caves with feeding troughs (mangers) carved into the rock walls; surroundings were dark and dirty.This was not the atmosphere the Jews expected as the birthplace of the Messiah King. They thought their promised Messiah would be born in royal surroundings. We should not limit our expectations. He is at work wherever he is need in our sin-darkened and dirty world.
 
"Although our first impression of Jesus is a baby in a manger, it must not be our last. The Christ child in the manger makes a beautiful Christmas scene, but we cannot leave him there. This tiny, helpless baby lived an amazing life, died for us, ascended to heaven, and will come back to this earth as King of kings. He will rule the world and judge all people according to their decisions about Him.
 
"Do you still picture Jesus as a baby in a manger--or is he your Lord? Make sure you don't underestimate Jesus let Him grow in your life."
 
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Dear Father in Heaven, there was no room for you in the inn that first Christmas. Forgive us when we don't make room for You in the 'inn of hearts'. We ask You to come in and make Your Home in our each of our lives. Not only because You are worth it and make all things new, but because we can't make our own lives as complete with love, peace, hope, and joy......as we can with You as a part of them. Thank You, Jesus, for coming to earth that first Christmas. Amen.
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