ListenDaily - 24 December 2008; Anticipation...
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born; (NIV) or
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. (KJV) Matrthew 2:5
(find these or any other passages at www.Biblegateway.org)
They had travelled, they were far from home, they were alone except for each other.
They were exhausted.
She was pregnant and going into labor.
There is no reason to think he was any less nervous than any man standing by his wife as she was having a baby.
They were alone except for each other...and their God...and this Baby, who was ready to be born, who was God's Child. They were about to see the actual Son of the Most High God! What a mix of emotions! Imagine the birth of any child, then add in the loneliness, the stable, the animals, and this Holy Child. What our Christmas Story takes a few minutes to tell, had played out over nine-plus months in the lives of Mary and Joseph. Anyone who has ever been present at the birth of a child, has seen the pain and agony changed, in an instant, to incredible joy as the mother takes the baby into her arms, as the father stands in tearful amazement. How much more it was to be with the Christ Child! I cannot even imagine.
Today is Christmas Eve. Children everywhere are trembling with excitement as they await tomorrow morning. imagine, if you will, Joseph and Mary as the time approached when she should be delivered. Immanuel. God with us. God with us...just about to happen...!
Now imagine Immanuel. God with you....just about to happen...or already happened. How can you not tremble at the thought?
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Questions:
1. Have you ever sat and really thought of the Biblical story as a nine month long story?
2. How do you imagine Mary's emotions as she prepared to deliver?
3. How do you relate that story to Immanuel...God with you?
INTERESTING THOUGHT:
"Immanuel, God with us in our nature,
in our sorrow, in our lifework,
in our punishment, in our grave,
and now with us, or rather we with Him,
in resurrection, ascension, triumph,
and Second Advent splendor."
Charles Spurgeon
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