Wondering

December 1987

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

There is a new Hannah Barbera ad on the radio for a Christmas video by the name of "The Nativity." During the ad, one of the characters says, "There are no rooms in all of Bethlehem." Immediately, we bring up a picture of Mary and Joseph, wearily trying to find lodging before Mary has her baby. We feel sorry for them. That ad has caused more than the usual emotion for me, however, because I have to say something similar (to what the inn keeper said) to very sick, tired people all the time, and I don't even have a stable to offer them.

Every week I get several calls and/or letters from Environmentally Ill people looking for a safe place to live. And I have to tell them I do not know of any safe places in clean air areas, that they can afford, or otherwise. Many have looked and looked, and tried different places to no avail. Many are grateful for what they can get, with some living in cabins, shacks, cars, tents, and one of our members was even living in the breezeway of someone else's home this summer. This is not right. I ask: "Where is God in all this?"

Then I wonder, did Mary doubt God when they were unable to find a room in Bethlehem after such a long, hard trip? After all, she was told she was to give birth to the Son of God, The Messiah, The Savior. She knew she was a virgin, and hadn't Joseph also been told, separately, of their being chosen? She had probably been so looking forward to resting and privacy, and a clean place to have her baby. After being turned away so often, by the time they got there, she was probably grateful for the stable. But did she wonder?

As the events of that night and during the time they stayed there unfolded, they could see that God was caring for them by sending the shepherds and angels, and providing by sending the wise men who would give them gifts to keep them during their, unexpected, trip to Egypt, and protecting them (perhaps) from Herod by their not staying and registering at an inn. And, from our perspective, we can even see that the uniqueness of the setting for Christ's birth and events have helped mankind to keep the birth of Jesus interesting and alive, and something that would draw children to love Him from a very young age. I am sure you would agree, that the word "Nativity" brings forth a warm inner feeling and glowing visual picture. If Jesus had had a more conventional birth, the effect would never have been the same. But, they must have wondered that a King would be born in a stable and laid in a manger.

While we have not had shepherds and angels come to adore us, or wise men bearing gifts in our circumstances, God is currently working on our behalf in all areas, even though we can't always see it. As events unfold we will note that He has been there with us, and one day we will see the whole picture. Like Mary and Joseph, we must dwell on what we do know for sure, and trust during those times when we wonder. And, we must remember, too, that God has already given us the greatest gift of all - the birth, life, sacrificial death, and resurrection of His son, Jesus Christ.

May God bless you and your family with evidence of His love for you on Christmas and throughout the New Year.

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