The Nativity, this is what Christmas is all about. Let us remember to give thanks, praise and love to our Father as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on this most blessed day of the year. Let us never forget that if it were not for the birth and death of our Lord Jesus Christ our sins would not be forgiven or eternal life extended to all who believe in him. Now then, let us go back to time long ago, a time that marked a new beginning for mankind.
Darkness is falling, in the distance we see two weary travelers as they slowly make they way towards Bethlehem. As the couple come closer into view we see that one is very much with child and must be due just about any day now. The donkey which she is riding plods along with his load as if it is the most precious thing in this world. Suddenly we hear them speaking "Joseph, is is much further now, I am so tired!" Mary says. Joseph turns to look at his wife, his faced filled with love and compassion for her, "Not much longer, Mary, look, up ahead is the lights of Bethlehem. We will find shelter there and soon be resting in a warm room with a comfortable bed. You will fill much better once we have settled in for the night." Mary smiles and hums a tune as they continue their journey to Bethlehem which is now within their site. The lights from the town sparkling in the distance as if in welcome.
(St. Luke 2: 1-5) Now it came to pass in those days, that a decree went forth from Caesar Augustus that a census of the whole world should be taken. This first census took place while Cyrinus was governor of Syria. And all were going, each to his own town, to register. And Joseph also went from Galilee out of the town of Nazareth into Judea to the town of David, which is called Bethlehem because he was of the house and family of David to register, together with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child.
Finally Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, stopping at the first inn they saw to inquire about lodgings. The inn keeper was sorry to inform them there were no rooms left, he was completely booked for the night. They continued from inn to inn throughout the town of Bethlehem and the response was always the same "sorry, we have no rooms available." At last one of the inn keepers informed them, if they so wished they could bed down in the stable with the animals as it was the only place he could offer them. Mary and Joseph knowing they could go no further accepted his offer gladly knowing they would at least have a place to keep them warm, dry and to rest. Mary and Joseph quickly settled into the stable among the animals, preparing for the birth of their son whom they now knew would be born that night. That very night their son was born. Mary wrapped him in swaddling clothes and gently laid him in the manger. Both Mary and Joseph looked upon this tiny baby in wonder, joy filling their hearts with love for this precious gift from God. This tiny child who would be called Jesus.
(St. Luke:2 6-7) And it came to pass while they were there, that the days for her to be delivered were fulfilled. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
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