Do You Ever Wonder?

Have you ever really wondered about the birth of Jesus?

I mean, for instance, Jesus could have been born anywhere. He could have been born into the highest royal family; He could have had a palace, servants, or more material goods than anyone else had He desired it. He created the world, so He could have entered the world in any way He wanted. But he was born in a stable -- the Savior of the world was born in a barn, for crying out loud! He was born among smelly animals and smelly animal manure. He came to earth as a small, innocent, know-nothing baby. And He did all of that so that He could later die for you and for me.

Really, it is amazing if you think about it.

And then there's Mary. Can you even imagine being her? Can you imagine telling your fiance that you were still a virgin yet were pregnant -- and not just pregnant with any child but with God's child? Can you imagine what your fiance would say: "Yeah, okay, Mary. Whatever you say. I have heard excuses before, but this one really takes the cake...(until, of course, he got his own visit from the angel)"

Can you imagine what others said about her? I am sure that no one believed her story.

And then there's the whole birth in a stable. I don't know about you, but if I were Mary I would be having some conversations with God that are along the lines of "Okay, God. I am in Your Hands. I am doing Your work, bringing Your Son into this world. Do you think I could possibly give birth in someplace other than a stable? I mean, maybe a Holiday Inn or something? Please, please, please not in this smelly, stinky stable amongst these smelly, stinky animals. Really. Please!"

But that is not the way it was. God chose to send His Son into this world in the lowliest of ways. He was born into a poor, young family. Mary and Joseph did what God wanted them to do without hesitation or argument.

And thank God for that. Thank God that His ways are higher than mine because He gave us a gift that was accessible to us. He gave us a Savior who was one of us yet was perfect in every way. He did things exactly the way they needed to be -- exactly the way that only He could do them.

Happy Birthday, Jesus -- and thank You for doing things the way You did!