Saturday, December 24, 2011

Babe in a Manger

This Christmas I have had a thought running through my mind about Jesus when He was just a babe lying in the manger.

Because Mary was impregnated by the Holy Spirit, and not Joseph, society and religious leaders considered Jesus to be a bastard child.

Luke 2:5 says, "He (Joseph) went there (Bethlehem) to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there the time came for the baby to be born and she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son.  She wrapped Him in clothes and placed Him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them." (NIV)

Mary was not only pregnant before she married Joseph, she even had the baby before they were married!

In these days of constant bickering over "traditional families" it is refreshing to pause and consider that our father God did not choose a traditional way to bring our Savior into this world.

He certainly could have at least let Mary and Joseph marry before the Christ child was born.
Right?

It would have looked better to society.
Right?

It would have pleased the religious leaders.
Right?

God could have made sure that the Pharisees had nothing to complain about just by ensuring Mary and Joseph marry before Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit.

God didn't choose to do it that way though.

God took what society and the established church at the time would consider a disgrace, a child born out of wedlock, and birthed Him to be the Messiah for all of man kind!

There is Power and Hope in that!

How are you viewed by the society?
How are you viewed by the established church?

Are you too poor to be used by God?
Are you too gay to be used by God?
Are you from the wrong kind of family to be used by God?
Are you the wrong race to be used by God?
Are you the wrong gender to be used by God?

No matter how any other human in the world sees you this Christmas, take solace in the fact that God sees you as His precious son or daughter.

God does not need or seek the approval of the main stream to use someone for His Kingdom!

This Christmas take a moment to reflect on a father God who values YOU more then other's opinions.

He has a plan and a destiny for you that only YOU can do.

Throw off the labels, the hurts, and the pains that others have inflicted on you for being different and rise up as a difference maker for your generation!

Just as God didn't value the opinions of others when He brought Jesus into this world, you should not let other's opinions keep you from living the life that God has planned for you!

Open your heart to the real Christ child in the manger.

God loves you so much that He sent Jesus to redeem YOU!

He sent Him to Earth in a very nontraditional way so that those who feel outcast for being nontraditional would view Him as their savior as well.

I hope that this simple message of Christmas will be a seed that grows in your spirit.

To God you are beautiful, valuable, and cherished so much that He sacrificed His Son!
He loves you and longs for you.
Accepting that love is the best gift you will receive this Christmas.

God bless you and your family this Christmas and each day to come!

Always remember:

God Loves You!
God Created You!
God Accepts You!

Until Next Time,

SavedByGrace

Celtic Woman - Away In A Manger (lyrics)