“So they ran into the village and found their way to Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in a feeding trough.
But Mary treasured all these things in her heart and often pondered what they meant.”
(Luke 2:16, 19 TPT)
I find too often the romanticized and dramatic themes surrounding the events may well diminish the reality.
Why would Mary need to ponder the words of Gabriel, or the shepherds and others for what they meant? Did she not know, did she not understand?
Could she see the trough was to be a sign, a picture of a future fulfillment? Could she understand that giving birth in the Temple Stable would also be pointing to a futuristic time? How could anyone not understand all this? Did Gabriel mention or take time to explain to Mary the harsh grueling reality facing her and her newborn babe? Did he? This painting hangs in my house becoming one of my favorite. To me this is the reality. A young husband obedient to messages received in dreams and a young woman with a promise from a supernatural encounter with the one who stands in the presence God. Mary now a new mother giving birth all alone with a man she hasn’t even been intimate with, giving birth in the Temple Stable at Migdol Adar. The place where lambing was overseen for the sacrifices. The lambs for Temple sacrifice at Passover had to be without spot or blemish. The lambs wrapped and swaddled to protect them from blemishes during the awkward stage, did anyone see the symbolism? Did Gabriel explain all these signs to Mary? Or was she ushered along the way? Was she amazed? Was she astounded? Was Joseph amazed? Did they live life day to day?
I believe it is safe and secure to say God used the OANTKB?
On a need to know basis, (the giving of information that has remained secret or kept hidden until it is needed to be shown or known by a particular party or parties.
Would Mary and Joseph question their call? Would Joseph ever question or ask why me. Would Mary wonder asking herself if she heard correctly? Would Mary ever say did I imagine this? I believe it is completely reasonable to say yes they did because they like us are human. But oh the joy unspeakable as they sit in heaven today knowing their role changed history and is still the greatest GIFT ever given to mankind. The gift of our Savior born of a virgin laid in a feeding trough…
Be careful when thinking the decorations
And all of the festive trimmings
Are the meaning of the Christmas season
Because it is in giving, His love was brimming
Yes Christmas would come in the form of a babe
Swaddled and lain in a manger
But the love poured out, that is the gift
Couldn’t have felt any stranger
Yes the true cost of love is to Give
Insurmountable, amazing and immeasurable
For the real Christmas story is told
His love came down and it was inevitable
How can you receive this gift that came at Christmas
Well lets look to see if it comes with instructions
Oh yes I’ve found them in His own words
How about this for the introduction
Repent and be baptized simply believe
The gift of Love, Christmas has truly come
New life New Hope, The Gift
God’s perfect gift, His only begotten Son!
Yes we celebrate the birth of Christ
Can you believe this story is true
The only gift fit for our King
Here’s hoping to Heaven you do
laurette laster December 2018
God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord cause His countenance to rise upon you and give you Shalom.
Until next time, thank you for listening with me. Laurette
Through All Seasons 