Day 12 – Jesus Is Not Afraid Of Our Mess
Read:
Luke 2:1-7
The census is what brought Mary and Joseph to Joseph’s hometown of Bethlehem. Joseph did indeed register for the census. While they were in Bethlehem, Mary gave birth to their first son. When we think of the nativity scene, we picture the happy family…Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. We probably also include farm animals, three kings bearing gifts, an angel wearing white and a shining star! Sounds like a very beautiful and peaceful scene. Luke 2: 7 tells us that baby Jesus was born in a manger. The definition of a manger is “a long open box or trough for horses or cattle to eat from”.
Many biblical scholars agree that the manger, where Jesus was born, was in a cave. A sheep cave, for example, was a natural or carved out cave used to shelter a flock of sheep. We can all agree that Jesus’ birthplace was probably cold, dirty and very smelly! This cold, dirty and very smelly place is hardly what we would expect for our Messiah’s royal birthplace, right?
So, what does this tell you about Jesus? This birth of Jesus in a trough…. In a cave… says so much about the kind of life Jesus would lead. Jesus was born into a messy situation and is not afraid of our messes. We can entrust our greatest and worst moments with Jesus, knowing that He will embrace us. Jesus is willing to enter into messy situations to help others and he wants to be with us in our struggles. We should follow Jesus’ example and be willing to step into the mess with others, especially those who are hurting this holiday season.
Reflect:
- How are you inviting God into the “mess” of the Christmas Season?
- What about today? Is there a “messy” moment that needs the loving touch of Jesus?