Good morning, Father.
When I put out the Nativity set in my home and remove each piece, I can’t help but wonder at this odd assemblage of people. I have to wonder, what kind of relationship with God did they have to merit such a prominent roll in His story?
First, let’s take out Baby Jesus and place Him in the manger in a stable. Stables, being dark and dirty, remind us of the kind of place the Messiah has come. A stable is not the kind of place you would expect the Savior, Christ, and Lord to be born.
Next to Jesus, I’ll place His mother, Mary. Although a young girl when she was told of God’s plan for her life, she responded with faith, obedience, and praise.
Then there is Joseph, Mary’s husband. We remember that he was a righteous man. His faith, being stronger than his circumstances, led to obedience to what was revealed to him.
In the corner of the stable, I place the shepherds. They were open to God’s message of hope, readily heard the angels’ Good News, and immediately responded as they set out to find the Babe.
I put the Magi (the wise men) outside the stable. They followed the star and didn’t reach Jesus until at least two years after His birth. The Magi were overjoyed to find Jesus with his mother, Mary. Upon arrival they bowed, worshiped Jesus, and gifted Him with treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Again this year, I have placed a figurine of a girl in the stable. She represents me. I have to ask myself, how do I respond to God’s interruptions in my life? If my life is connected to Him, I, too, will respond out of faith and obedience and with praise. Being in partnership with God for His redemption purposes is a precious gift to bring Jesus. “O Come Let Us Adore Him, Christ The Lord.”
“I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23)
In the power of Jesus’ name, Amen.
Janet Waters, Preschool Sunday School Teacher/Prayer Room Intercessor