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Or search YouTube for Paul Harvey
A Christmas Story: The Man and The Birds
“And it came about that while
they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her first-born son; and
she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room
for them in the inn.” Luke 2:6-7
Tradition has romanticised the
birth of Christ. For example, the images
we enjoy of the ‘no room in the inn’ stable where the baby Christ was delivered,
show various versions of a nice little building with a tidy feeding trough
sitting proudly in the middle of a well-lighted room.
In those days, however, this ‘stable’
into which Joseph led the donkey with Mary upon it, would have likely been an
unlovely, stone-cold, dark and dirty place alongside or part of the inn itself.
The shelter was most likely an
open, naturally formed and further hewn out, cliffside rock just large enough
to protect a variety of domesticated animals.
Stuffy, with little air circulation other than a direct wind into it,
with muck on the floor, would have created an ‘earthy odour’.
There would have been animals of transportation
like a traveller’s donkey or horse, perhaps a few lambs, an ox, a milk cow or goat, some chickens,
a dog or two, maybe even a cat, some pigeons and sparrows and whatever
creatures hid in crevices and corners.
There would have been a long,
rough, wooden feeding trough, filled with various feedstuff and lots of slobber. An end of this would have been taken to hold
the newborn Child. Since so many were
travelling at this time it would have also been crowded. But more animals would have ensured warmth.
As Joseph surveyed what he had to
work with, he would have helped Mary down from the donkey, supporting her a bit
to ensure she was not too wobbly from the journey. He would have searched for the most level
place within the cave -- not occupied by an animal -- and pulled some of the clean
straw or hay together into a mound and covered it with the donkey’s saddle-blanket.
Next, he would have taken
whatever blankets and other soft cloths they had with them to create a place
for them to sit and sleep. He may have
built a small fire at the mouth of the cave for some light and a bit more
warmth, depending on the direction of the wind, of course.
It is unlikely that Mary
immediately delivered the Child. It
could have been days or weeks before her body was ready. At least they would have been somewhat comfortable
and out of the elements, as they waited.
How tired Mary and Joseph must have been.
There are legends that say even
the animals knew what was going on and watched carefully over the entire scene. One of my childhood favourites is that on the
night of the celebration of His birth, the animals are given voice to worship
Jesus. I still imagine all creatures --
from the most unlovely to those we hold dear -- have an instinct of the Truth,
but I will have to wait to ask my Saviour one day.
Take care with love, especially
His! Your servant and friend in Christ,
who still prays for you each morning.
Darlene
Here is my present to
you, dear friend
and those who know or
seek for Christ:
Click on the
picture or copy and paste
This link
into your browser
or search
YouTube for
‘The
Chosen Special Christmas Episode’
PS: Please pray for this ministry. My statement of faith is found here: https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com You can find the WeakDay Devotion online by
doing a Google search for “WeakDay Devotion”
(Also, there is an android “Google Blogger” app you can download to read
them on your phone.)
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS and UPDATES
- ·
UPDATE – Fires in Australia
easing- Weather has changed and there is a 50 percent chance of
rain later this week. Pray for the
firefighters, those caring for those seeking shelter, for those suffering from and
in the path of the fires, for those who have lost everything, the animals and
the tragedy that accompanies this.
Please pray for God’s mercy on this dry and sunburnt, burning land and
that His people will rise up and show their extraordinary love and compassion
at this time!
- · URGENT -USA - Pray the Lord would demonstrate His power in unexpected and uniting ways during these times of unrest and confusion. Help hearts settle and rest in Him alone. Let the truth of God’s Word and ways overcome the drive to destroy our founding, Bible-based values.
- · Chris H – recently lost his sister (the last of his family) and will be facing his first Christmas without her. Please hold him up with prayers as he walks through this time of change and pain.
- · Savannah – fifteen-year-old granddaughter of Cliff and Beth, is suffering from a psychological disorder that is difficult to treat and could lead to very serious consequences. She NEEDS all the prayers that can be said on her behalf.
- · Christine’s husband – broke his arm and wrist and is home recovering. Pray during this time that the Lord will speak to him through his loving wife and that they will have a Christ-centred relationship and family.
- · Doris (My Second Mom) – has had a wonderful 101 birthday - she is growing frail and sleeping more and deeply now. Pray for Patti, her daughter, as she remains so faithful in sacrificing time to demonstrate God’s love to her precious mother. Pray for Freddy, Doris’ son that he will be there with her more. Doris (and her husband, Owen, now waiting for Doris in Heaven) both prayed faithfully to bring me to the foot of the Cross from age 12.
- · SJ – as he struggles with circumstances he did not anticipate. Pray for his willingness to grow through this dark time and for wisdom of his counsellors. Pray for his ability to rest and forgive himself.
- · Lachlan –Has completed his seminary studies and now urgently needs to find housing for himself and his three children.
- · Paul –Pray for his ongoing resilience and that the Lord would allow him to find a role. He’s been unemployed since 2010. Most of all, pray his heart melts enough for the Truth to touch him where it hurts. Pray for my wisdom and patience as he stays here.
- · Patti – faithful daughter of Doris, wife of John -- a Proverbs 31 woman, who needs strength, energy and the ability to prioritise with grace and resolve and grows in confidence so she understands that ‘no’ is a perfectly acceptable response. Pray she enjoy precious time with John and that her heart is strong for her Mom.
- · Terri – her relationship of 13 years has just broken, and she needs prayers to travel through this journey.
- · Tracey – Pray Tracey finds a new role to satisfy her and allow her to grow and share her skills and wisdom.
- · Me – Please pray for the Lord to provide a new project for me.
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