Bethlehem, the birthplace of our Lord.  I had the privilege of visiting the cave stable where Jesus was believed to be born several years ago.  I could visualized the animals and Mary and Joseph there with a manger.  Luke 1:6-7 describes the setting and action of this ancient scene.   “And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.  And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”    

This cave was attached to a larger area that is now a church.  Our guides told us that the holy family stayed in the rooms above for several years after Jesus’ birth.  This would line up with the account of the Magi arriving within 1-2 years of Jesus’ birth.

I continue to marvel at this young couple and how God provided for them each step of the way.  They were resourceful and undaunted by the ‘curves’ that life was constantly giving them.  They had to make a journey in Mary’s 9th month of pregnancy and they had no room with a bed to receive their child .  However, they were warm, sheltered and protected in this stable cave.  They had a make shift crib and adoring visitors that came along with the endearing animals.  Mary and Joseph showed themselves to be faithful and resilient.  Not once in scripture are we told that they complained or fretted over their circumstances.   There is a lesson for us in their acceptance and behavior.

What about you?  Do you complain when things you are trying to do for the Lord don’t go as planned?  Do you give up or do you call upon your reserve energy and comfort from the Holy Spirit?  Mary and Joseph showed us God’s way.  He expects us to be resilient, hopeful and faithful as we seek to follow Him.  He promises to never leave or forsake us and we need to take Him at His Word!

Striving work with resilience and faithfulness,

Linda