Have you ever faced circumstances that seem insurmountable? Do you wonder how you will overcome the challenge? What if you are ill equipped, lack financial gain, face an absence of support or an abundance of criticism? God is in your corner, rooting for you, always present in your life. This doesn't mean the outcome will be as you hoped but it reiterates that you can count on Him to carry you through your darkest moments with triumph.
Enjoy this brief excerpt from Sharing Stories of Jesus with Children as well as my reflection and scripture reference below.
Joseph drapes his arm around Mary as she looks lovingly down at her newborn child, Jesus. He is wrapped in a cloth nestled in warm straw.
Manger Magic
In Bethlehem a star
radiates above.
Parents hold a baby
filled with love.
Cows are mooing
chickens give a cluck
donkeys are quiet
wrapped cloth is tucked.
This baby’s birth
is no ordinary one
for lying in the manger
is God’s own son.
Joseph and Mary’s journey
has come to an end
when the inn they were seeking
was filled to the brim.
God has provided
the perfect place of birth.
Tiny Jesus isn’t crying
precious is his worth.
He has arrived
our Messiah, our friend.
Shining light in a darkened world,
a reign that will not end.
A Savior, Emmanuel
mighty powerful is he
but, for now in this moment
Mary rocks him gently.
He is her little son
cherished in her sight.
The tired parents whisper,
give thanks for this holy night
Reflection:
It's time for the baby to be born. Dad loads the suitcases into the car and then ushers his wife to the waiting, warm vehicle. They arrive at the pristine hospital where she is placed in a wheelchair and whisked to a room complete with calming music, clean sheets, snacks, and sterilized instruments. Competent doctors and nurses await and assist in the delivery with medication available if needed. The child is washed, tested, and given to the parents to hold and admire.
Compare that situation as opposed to Mary and Joseph’s birthing circumstance. Joseph has pleaded with the innkeeper to allow them space in the stable. His exhausted wife has arrived after traveling for days on a donkey. She is placed on the ground surrounded by animals, dirt, and smelly hay. Was there even water available?
The only light is that of the bright Bethlehem star above their darkened abode. There is no doctor, nurse, sterilized instruments, or medication. I wonder how much they knew about birthing a baby before they arrived at this moment. However, God met their needs as baby Jesus, our Messiah was born. Peace filters throughout the room as they hold their precious son.
Have you ever faced circumstances that seem insurmountable? Do you wonder how you will overcome the challenge? What if you are ill equipped, lack financial gain, face an absence of support or an abundance of criticism? God is in your corner, rooting for you, always present in your life. This doesn't mean the outcome will be as you hoped but it reiterates that you can count on Him to carry you through your darkest moments with triumph.
Our heavenly father meets our needs no matter our circumstances. As you gaze upward at the stars twinkling in a darkened sky, remember the One who created you, adores you and is present with you with every breath you take. You are His miracle, and He is yours.
Silent night, holy night.
Luke 2:7
And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. John 1:9-14
The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Galatians 4:4
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law.
If you enjoyed this poem click on the books link within this website for easy access to purchasing Sharing Stories of Jesus with Children. God Bless You.
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