The Unassuming Arrival of Majesty
In a humble sheep stable on the outskirts of Bethlehem, a miraculous event unfolded. The pungent aroma of urine, dung, and sheep filled the air, mingling with the scent of hay and earth. Cobwebs clung to the ceiling, and a mouse scurried across the dirt floor. It was a far cry from a royal birthing suite, yet this was where God chose to enter the world as a baby.
A Scene of Contrasts
Off to one side, a group of shepherds sat silently on the floor, their faces a mix of perplexity, awe, and amazement. Just hours before, their night watch had been interrupted by a dazzling display of light from heaven and a chorus of angels. God often reveals Himself to those who have time to listen, and on this cloudless night, He chose to appear to simple shepherds.
A Weary Father, a Wonder-Filled Mother
Near the young mother, Mary, sat her exhausted husband, Joseph. His eyes grew heavy, his body weary from the long journey and the excitement of the night. Though he still struggled to comprehend the mystery of the event, his primary concern was the well-being of his wife and newborn son. As sleep overtook him, he recalled the name the angel had instructed him to use – Jesus.
Mary, on the other hand, was wide awake, her eyes fixed on the face of her baby. Her son, her Lord, her Majesty. At this pivotal moment in history, she was the human being who best understood who God was and what He was doing. She knew she held God in her arms, and the realization left her in a state of wonder.
Majesty in the Midst of the Mundane
The baby Jesus looked anything but regal. His face was red and prunish, his cry strong but helpless. He was entirely dependent on Mary for His survival. Yet, in this humble setting, surrounded by the sights and smells of a sheep stable, Mary recognized the divinity of her child. She remembered the angel’s words: “His kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:33)
As she gazed at her son, Mary was struck by the stark contrast between His majesty and the humble surroundings. The King of Kings had abandoned His throne room of eternity for a dirty sheep pen, exchanging worshiping angels for bewildered shepherds.
A City Unaware
Meanwhile, the city of Bethlehem bustled with activity, its inhabitants oblivious to the fact that God had just visited their planet. The innkeeper would never believe that he had sent God into the cold, and the people would scoff at anyone who dared suggest that the Messiah lay in the arms of a teenager on the outskirts of their village. They were too busy, too distracted, to consider the possibility.
A Timeless Lesson
Little has changed in the past two thousand years. Many still miss the arrival of God’s majesty, not because of malice or evil deeds, but because they simply aren’t looking. They are too caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life to recognize the divine in their midst. As we reflect on the birth of Jesus, may we be reminded to slow down, to look, and to listen for the gentle whispers of God’s presence in our lives.
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