Born In A Stable

http://johnruffle.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/nativity_scene.jpg

Luke 2:8-14(NIV)

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,“Glory to God in the highest heaven,and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Christ was born in a stable.  A lowly stable to an unlikely pair of parents, chosen specifically for the task of raising God’s son. Christ came down to save the world. A beautiful gift from heaven to a world that still needs saving today.  

Simple, beautiful, breathtaking.  Imagine that night, a bright star in the sky, directly over the stable.  Heralding the birth of a Savior. Two young people, amazed that God had chosen them to be the earthly parents of His Son. 

 At that time in history, the Jews were looking for a King to save them from their oppressors.  A king to turn the kingdom around, to bring power and fame to Jerusalem. They were not looking for a baby born to lowly parents in the unlikely place of a stable. There was no grandeur, no pomp and circumstance, instead a helpless baby as an everlasting gift from God.  

The birth was announced by angels to lowly shepherds tending to their sheep.  How amazing those trumpets must have sounded, the bright light, the angelic voices.  Incredible! God making and entrance into the world.  His love for us so powerful, so pure, so deep.

Christ as the Savior of the World. A gift, freely given to a world that is still in need of saving.  God freely offers you love, redemption and hope. No matter what has happened in your past, no matter what your circumstances today, He is seeking you. If you don’t know him, will you take a moment and ask for Him to show you the depth of his love for you. Take a moment and say this simple prayer, "Father I don’t know anything about you, I don’t feel worthy of your love, but I want to have hope, to see more in this life than what's in front of me, show me yourself today." Watch and be amazed as he answers that prayer.  

For those of you who already know Jesus, will you commit today to praising him in the moment, to sharing his past faithfulness in your life with those you encounter, and to allow your light to shine brightly so that others will ask where it is you get your joy.