December 14th
| The Miller Family read Luke 2:6-7 | Anna Bolton sings Oh Little Town of Bethlehem with a little help from Stacia, Kimberly and Nate | Ben meditates on the acitivities of Bethlehem and Heaven |
DAY 14
And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born.
She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. [Luke 2:6-7]
MEDITATION
What conversations took place in Bethlehem that night?
Perhaps friends discussed the latest football game. Maybe kids played video games instead of finishing their homework. There may have been a girl excitedly waiting for her date to arrive. Mothers may have been listening to their sons explain why they needed extra screen time. Bars may have been full, hotel ice machines may have been working overtime and tired medical professionals may have been coming off of double shifts.
Probably not.
The point is, Bethlehem was a small town full of normal people going about their lives.
What happened in heaven that night?
Was there excitement? The king of creation was about to descend to earth. Was there celebration and joy over the astounding grace of God? Did bells ring? Trumpets play?
One thing seems certain. The people of Bethlehem had no idea what was happening in their midst. I love the way George Hebert Morrison put it.
"Bethlehem gave no thought of Jesus' birth, and heaven thought of nothing else."
Prayer:
Father, don't let us miss what you're doing in our midst. We want our faith to be marked by childlike joy and excitement as we eagerly look for how you're moving in our lives. Help us to constantly watch for you in every part of our day to day.