Merry Christmas Eve!
On this Saturday before Christmas, think back with me on what Mary and Joseph were feeling and experiencing on this day so long ago. Mary knew the time for her delivery was drawing ever so close. Nine months is a long time to wait for a big day to arrive, but a full nine months have passed.
Think about it. For most women, they are “with child” several weeks before they know a precious life is alive inside of her body. But for Mary, her situation was unique. She knew even before she became pregnant that she was going to have a baby. She knew that when the Angel Gabriel said, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”
A lot has transpired in these past nine months. Mary has visited her cousin Elizabeth who is also with child, the child who would become known as John the Baptist. Then there was the revelation to Joseph that Mary was pregnant. This caused him great concern. He was not there when Gabriel made the incredible announcement to Mary. It was normal for him to jump to a conclusion that something untoward had happened. So, he was minded to put her away privately.
But then Joseph had his own encounter with an angel. At that point his concern was instantly change to joy and anticipation. There was also the decree from Caesar Augustus that everyone was to take part in a countrywide registration. Because Joseph was of the house and lineage of David, they needed to travel to Bethlehem. They made that 90-mile journey.
They arrived at a time when the town was filled with people who honored the decree. Mary and Joseph learned there was no room in the inn for them. So, they found alternative lodging nearby in less than desirable circumstances.
As the hour drew near, we can almost but not accurately know what Joseph and Mary were thinking. As they prepared for bed that night, Joseph was probably on pins and needles. Mary probably found it difficult to get comfortable. It is only hours away when the divine moment will happen. The angels in heaven must have leaned over the balcony of heaven and watched, ready to go and make the announcement to the shepherds.
Wow! What an amazing and marvelous plan. Conceived by the Father and initiated by the Holy Spirit. I hope you are planning to attend a Christmas Eve service tonight and a service in the morning where you will hear the rest of the story.
