December 22,2010 - Luke 2:7

“She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7
Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem to register for the Roman census. Even though Mary was so close to delivering her first born child, they had to take the arduous journey. Once there, they had to negotiate through the throng of people who were also there to register. Mary was most likely beginning to feel the oncoming of her delivery as Joseph sought housing for them. All he could find was an animal shelter that would have to serve as their room. In Mary’s delivery, they had to use only those few things available to them from their trip or from around the stable. The Lord of lords was wrapped in some scraps of cloths (that were most likely not the cleanest!) and placed in an animal feeding trough. They used what they had to deliver Jesus.
The lesson that came to me as I read this familiar passage concerned Mary and Joseph using all that was available to them, even though the resources were very limited. Many of us feel as if we don’t have much, if anything, to give the Lord in return for what He has done for us. There have been times in my journey when I have felt like I had very little to give in service to God. And since I was embarrassed, I did nothing. I have come to realize that limited as I am, God, who made me in His image, would have me give of the resources that are available to me and through me.
Questions to consider: Do you think that, because you have limited ability or resources available, you are unable to serve? Do you serve God even though you have limitation in ability and resources? How do you do that service?
Prayer: Father, as Mary and Joseph did, help me to use the limited resources available to me to bring glory to Your name. Thank You for all you have given me and for how You made me. Amen.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EACH OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!