The birth place of Jesus, a stable, almost escapes mention in the gospels.
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, … She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Luke2:6-7
Luke is the only gospel writer who mentions it, and one suspects his purpose was to give context to the message to the Shepherds.
And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
Luke2:12
There is a humility about Jesus’ birth which we can miss through familiarity. It highlights a question many have wrestled with: Why does God allow challenging circumstances to those he loves? Both Jesus’ birth and death are extreme examples. Jesus himself speaks into these situations with statements many would prefer to avoid –
“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.”
Luke 6:20-21
The very events we avoid relating out of embarrassment, the Lord calls gateways to blessing. Are we willing to testify to what the Lord has done without embarrassment?
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