The Most Blessed Event

“And she brought forth her first born Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room in the inn.”  Luke 2:7

Those of us ladies who have been through the process of childbirth know what an exciting time it is, but it is also very frightening, especially the first birth.  To our advantage, we have all the high tech, modern facilities and well trained personnel to help us through the birth.  But think about Mary.  She was away from home.  Her transportation was assumed to be on the back of a donkey.  I don’t know what would be more uncomfortable for a woman nine months along-riding a donkey or walking for many miles.  In checking the maps in the back of my Bible, I estimate that it was 70 miles from Nazareth, Mary and Joseph’s hometown, to Bethlehem, the place of Jesus’ birth.  It likely took them at least a week of traveling over dusty, dangerous roads to reach their destination.  They had been required to go there to register for the census in order that the amount of tax that they owed could be determined.  Being a descendant of king David, who was born in Bethlehem, this was Joseph’s designated place to register for the tax.

After their arduous journey, they surely looked forward to a nice room in an inn with a warm, comfortable bed, but, as even those who know little about scripture know this, that there were no rooms available.  Bethlehem was very crowded due to the census.  However, there was a stable available where animals were lodged, and they were welcome to spend the night there.  By this time, Mary was likely having contractions and didn’t care where they stayed; she just wanted to lie down.

The labor pains came on stronger and stronger, and she had no doctors, nurses, or midwives in attendance, only a loving husband who likely had attended the birth of animals.  But they had the LORD, and He certainly would help Mary deliver His Son.  When Baby Jesus emerged into this world, He took His first human breath and likely cried like any other baby.  Mary wrapped Him tightly in swaddling bands and carefully place Him in a manger, which was a feeding trough filled with hay.  Since animals are also part of God’s creation, I can see in my mind’s eye the donkeys, sheep, goats, and cows looking on at Jesus as he was lying in a pile of hay, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Perhaps there were birds perched above singing praises to the LORD for his love and mercy in sending His only Son to earth for the redemption of mankind.   The circumstances of Jesus’ entrance into this world came together in fulfillment of prophecy and to show man that Christ is Lord and Savior for all, rich and poor alike.