13.1.25 Luke 2:1-7

13 January

Prepare

Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am God."

Take a moment to pause and reflect on God’s sovereignty and provision.

Read – Luke 2:1-7

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.

(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)

And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.

He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

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 guest room available for them.

Reflect

The Savior of the world, born in humble circumstances. A stable, a manger, no room in the inn. Yet, in this quiet and unassuming scene, God’s eternal plan unfolds.

Imagine being Mary and Joseph, weary from travel, yet holding the hope of the world in their arms. Despite the simplicity of their surroundings, they are part of God’s extraordinary story.

What does this tell you about how God works? How might He be working in the “ordinary” or “humble” places in your life today?

Be

Lord, we thank you that your plans are not bound by earthly power or status. We thank you for choosing to be with us, not looking for the powerful and the famous, but choosing us just as we are.

Help us to see your hand in the simple and ordinary moments of our lives, knowing that you are always at work.

Become

Jesus, shape us into people who embrace humility and become like you. Help us to be content with what we’ve got. Transform us into people who are delighted to be in a stable only because you are there. May our lives reflect the beauty of your kingdom, where the small and humble carry your glory.

Do

May the story of Christ’s humble birth inspire us to trust in God’s plan and live with humility and grace.

Practice:

There is something fascinating about Jesus born in a stable and placed on a manger. It’s just so counter-cultural, it just reminds us of the importance of simplicity, our practice for this term.

Do you need everything you’ve got? Is it time to get rid or give away some of it? Have a think about what you might want to let go of?

We also live complex and sometimes to full and saturated lives that don’t give us space to encounter God and love others well. Do you need to do everything you do? Is there anything you might want to stop doing?