“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.”

Luke 2:7
Charles Dickens’s novel A Christmas Carol gives us a backdrop for observing human nature. After the shock of his first visitor, Scrooge wanted to be ready for anything, but “not by any means prepared for nothing.” How quickly we think we have the bases covered, only to discover we do not. Even when we do “have it all together,” the pieces may not fit. That was the state of things for poor Scrooge when his past, present, and future were shown to him plainly.

Now jump from that fictional story to the real-life biblical Christmas story. Joseph was taking his young, pregnant fiancé to Bethlehem as Roman law required. He was as prepared as he could be at the time, but Mary’s labor started before they could settle in with a place to stay. Since this was long before online reservations and all the lodging was taken, he must have been desperate. How wonderfully the Lord provided— a stable for the Son of God to be born and a manger to lay Him in! God’s provision in the past effects all of our present and future.



Scripture Focus

Luke 2:1-7

Insight

We can never be fully prepared for everything that may come our way, but the Lord is, and He graciously provides for our needs.

Bible In A Year

  • Hosea 1-3
  • Proverbs 11
  • James 1-3

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