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.”
What a courageous woman Mary was to bring forth her first child in what we would classify today as “deplorable” conditions. Nothing was sterile; clean water was probably not available (they were in stable or cave meant for animals) no fresh linens to lie on, no doctor, nurse or midwife. Did Joseph coach her through her labor? Did he cut the cord? How did they clean the baby? How did Mary deal with the afterbirth? Before they left for Bethlehem, did Mary’s mother or her cousin Elizabeth offer any advice about what she could expect as a new mother, such as how to nurse her baby? Such courage for new parents! Such a humble beginning for a newborn King!
Lord, forgive us when we complain about trivial things, little inconveniences that interrupt our lives, when God Himself chose to have His Son born in such humble conditions. Renew our hearts with a spirit of thankfulness and contentment. In Your humble name we pray. Amen.
~ painting by Greg Olson
