It was said Jesus was born in a manger because there was no room for Him in the inn.
Various interpretations have been given to this detail of the Christmas story.
Sometimes we might think this was an unfortunate turn of events. We feel sorry for Mary especially, who, being very pregnant had just made a journey either walking or on the back of a donkey. It was a wonder she did not go into labor on the way!
And, of course, Joseph must have been feeling a little stressed himself, having to coordinate everything and realizing he was the “wingman” for Jesus’ Entrance into the world!
We feel sorry for Jesus, Who seemed to have drawn His First Breaths outside, unsheltered.
We wonder if the inn keeper could not have tried harder to find some place inside for this weary couple. Was it possible he did not want to be involved in what appeared to be an imminent birth?
And what about God Himself? Many might secretly wonder why God did not provide a better place for His Son to be born. Was God branding Jesus as an outsider from the very beginning?
No, I believe God was sending a wondrous Invitation to us all to join His Birthday Party.
God wanted us to know the Vastness of His Glory could never be contained in simple manmade dwellings. And yet it could be contained in something He created … a tiny baby.
Tucked into a feeding trough called a manger, Jesus gave The Message yet to be spoken.
Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty.”
Matthew 6:35
Jesus, The Gift of The Bread of Life was presented, wrapped in The Glory of The Universe itself.
Jesus was presented in full view of both Heaven and earth, where, it was as in the time of God’s First creation of earth.
“ … the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy!”
Job 38:7
No one who wanted to worship Jesus was excluded from His Birth.
Angels, shepherds, animals, and later, wise men, came.
Those who were not quite ready to receive Him could have come too. Even the inn keeper and all his guests could have come.
Even those who sought to do Jesus harm would have been welcomed, if they had chosen to come in humility and put away their evil intentions.
Was it a problem that there was no room at the inn? No, Jesus needed a bigger venue with lots of room to reveal Himself as a new resident of Earth.
Jesus is The Gift Who keeps giving. He is wrapped and ready for you to discover Him right now. You won’t even have to wait for Christmas!
Come let us adore Him!
