And all went to enrol themselves, every one to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David; to enrol himself with Mary, who was betrothed to him, being great with child. And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:3-7 ASV)
Tis the Season to be Broke! But when you're already at rock bottom nothing matters because you gave up on hope a long time ago. Being broke and having nothing is not a good feeling. To actually have to go without, being forced to miss a few meals and make things stretch is a rough and tough place to be. Being desperate to the point where you'll do anything to get the things that you need, cause you ain't too proud to beg...can sometimes get ugly. Pressed to make ends meet, and things are still not coming together. Everyone said that you would be great, they said that you would go far, but none of that matters anymore because right now your only focus is making it through right now. It doesn't matter that you're gifted and that you consider yourself pretty talented, all you know is that when you look around and count your assets, you're barely holding on.
Before he stepped on the scene in Luke 2:7 by way of the birth canal of the Virgin Mary, Jesus was a highly anticipated baby. Prophets such as that of the Prophet Isaiah prophesied well before Jesus' time that he was coming to save a people from their sins and that the government would be upon his shoulders. The scriptures tell us that upon his entry into the world those who came in contact with him would call him wonderful, counselor, the only wise God, the everlasting father, the prince of peace, Alpha and Omega for he's the beginning and the end, mighty God, but most importantly the lamb of God. Royalty is what Luke 1:32 said that he would be, as it states that..."The Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David." A royal call and great expectations for a royal baby who came to Earth for such a powerful purpose. The birth of this baby marked the beginning of a new beginning. One in which the supernatural ability of the Holy Spirit to impregnate Mary, a Virgin woman, paints a picture quite different from what is widely acceptable. A picture that was more than necessary. And so we find ourselves at the place of our Lord's birth, a place by the name of Bethlehem where there are rich biological ties to the House of David, yet there was no room and no vacancy. There was no space for the Baby Jesus to rest once he was delivered other than a manger in which he was wrapped in swaddled clothes. It's safe to say that such a humble beginning gave way to a ministry full of selflessness, servitude, and eternal salvation.
Jesus walked amongst common men, was well versed but articulated his message of love so that even men with the most basic of understanding would be able to reap the benefits of his eternal packaged deal. Jesus among men was the son of a carpenter, who labored with his hands in order to provide for his family. A job that was anything but royal in the eye sight of the common man. However, Jesus is also simultaneously the son of a God who created the concept of time, who formed man with his hand, who breathed the breath of life into man and he became a living soul. Jesus was so special. It wasn't about where Jesus came from, but about where it was that he was going.
That baby in a manger grew strong in the calling upon his life and he later gave his life that you and I might have a right to the tree of life. In order to get Christmas you must have Christ. Jesus Christ has always been and must always be the center of Christmas because of the example that he set, love that he showed, and sacrifice that he made. Yes, Christmas is about unity and love, but it's more about sacrifice. Mary sacrificed her will to serve her roll as the mother of Christ. She didn't expect the Holy Spirit to impregnate her, she was engaged to a man named Joseph and they had plans of their own. Yet, when the angel of The Lord shared tidings of great joy God's will became her pleasure. Jesus could've in a moment notice changed his mind about giving his life for our salvation, but he knew that his sacrifice would save a lost people, and provide them with an escape from a burning hell.
Christmas is a day to remember and celebrate the beginning of the supernatural refinement of this realm of life, but it should never stop there. The love of Christmas should dwell in our hearts and we should live our lives in such a way that others may feel loved as well. Gifts are thoughtful and presents are nice, but the tangible gifts that you received years ago are no longer relevant now, it's time to get ahold of something eternal that transcends the test of time and that is the love of Christ. Sometimes you'll have to sacrifice a few things like Mary, you'll want you're life to go a certain way, and God will step in and redirect your path, that you might walk in a calling so much greater. Every now and then sacrifice will also stand as a call to help somebody. Too many who are able to help someone, don't. Too many who are able to share, don't. That completely works against what it is that God has called us to do.
At the end of the day, let us be grateful. You may not have had the money to give the gifts that you would've liked, but love is an inexpensive gift that is rarely shared. You may not have received what it is that you would've liked on today, but the greatest gift of all is another opportunity to live to see another day and another opportunity to tell the people you love, that you love them. In the spirit realm, every day is Christmas, and the gifts under the tree are life, breath, health, strength, grace, mercy, joy, peace, long suffering, meekness, love, and so much more. Merry Christmas!!!!!!
Let us bow:
Lord, we thank you for the birth of your son and the sacrificed made that we might have right to the tree of life. Lord we honor your love and we hold it near and dear in our hearts. Help us to realize that you are the reason for every season and that as Christians it is our job to carry the torch of your love and peace everywhere that we go. Guide us that we might be diligent in the execution of the call that you have placed on our lives. Happy Birthday Jesus and may we forever keep Christ in Christmas sharing your message with the world. Bless us and keep us, for it is in the name of the Christ we pray, Amen!!!!!!
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