First Christmas

First Christmas


No marriage certificate to make it all "socially acceptable."
No trip finder to show the way and "how long till we get there."
No headlights or streetlights to make darkness more friendly.
No heater to warm the car.
No shocks to smooth the awkward lurching.
No McDonalds to "grab a quick burger and fries."
No Highway Patrol to make it all more safe.
No Starbucks to get some hot brew and stay awake.
No Holiday Inn at the end of the road.
...but they traveled safe and found their way to God's place for His Son's birth.

No midwife to guide a young mother through first birthing.
No hospital delivery room with staff standing ready for unforseen problems.
No warm blankets, and heat lamps, and soft sounds, and sterile everything.
No phone connect to be able to say - "He's here...and He's beautiful, mom."
No warm bath and lotions to soften his skin and fill the air with fragrance.
No pampers...no quick wipes...no air tight disposal containers.
No bottles....no family to laugh with, hug, and celebrate the moment.

But the whole world is celebrating now.

It happened down a long, dark, cold, bumpy road.
It happened in a shed where animals lodged.
It happened in conditions now "awful" to the max.

And that is truly how Jesus was born....and with Him,
the revelation of a God Who selflessly loves us all,
and a Son Who will give His all,
and a plan that has already opened up millions of hearts to the very presence of God.

Immanuel.

God is with us.

No matter the road you're on....and the mission that seems to be occupying your life....you can trust Him with everything in these days.

Merry Christmas.

Dave

Next blog entry will probably be in about 12 days.