Luke 2:6-7 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 cloths and placed him in
a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. NIV
The other morning when I was preparing to work the 4-10 a.m. shift at the jail,
I experienced a new insight into the birth of Jesus in a stable.
It was of course very dark at 3:40 a.m. as I walked down to the corral to feed
the animals before going to work. It was also cold. Amidst the dark and the
chilly winter's morn however was the sweet overwhelming presence of God. I heard
him in the quiet nickering of the horses and soft bleating of the goats as they
patiently waited for their morning feed. I sensed him in the fragrant scent and
warmth of the hay as I toiled away pulling it free from the bales and forked it
into the tubs. And through the stable's entrance I witnessed his power and
beauty as stars winked high above in the inky blackness and silver moonlight
mimicked glittering fire flies on frosty snow. Cocooned in the stillness and
beauty of the moment I suddenly found myself thinking of Mary and Joseph and the
new born babe, Christ the Lord as they too experienced God with them in a lowly
stable so long ago. There would have been no hustle and bustle, no worldly
distractions at such a moment, just the simple sounds and sights and fragrance
of creation surrounding them, a perfect moment to experience the quiet, yet
overwhelming presence of Emmanuel, God with us.
Yes, Jesus was born in a stable because there was no room in the inn. But
perhaps the fact that there was no room in the inn, ensured that there would be
more room in the hearts of Mary and Joseph for the unfathomable gift of the
glory of God when the most glorious birth took place on that glorious night so
long ago.
Prayer: Father God thank you for your presence with us each and every day. Thank
you for unexpected moments of quiet and solitude that we might hear and feel and
smell and know your presence with us in the most remarkable ways, in the most
unremarkable circumstances. Bless us with sensitivity and willingness of heart
to recognize such glorious moments and glorify your name amidst them. In
Christ's name we pray. Amen
Lynne Phipps
Atlin BC lynnephipps@hotmail.com
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