Luke 2:4-6 (NIV) So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born...

I have wondered many times what it must have been like for Joseph and Mary just before she went into labor to give birth to the Son of God. We know about the commotion that they must have experienced trying to find a place of lodging so that Mary would have a safe and warm place to give birth. As we know from God’s Word, the place they found was not what they wanted or expected. They had to go to a place where animals are kept and where the cradle for the new-born Messiah would be a manger. But still in all, the anticipation and the wonder of it all must have been incredible. They were about to witness the birth of the Messiah that had been spoken about through a number of prophets down through the ages. The Word of God had spoken about this event and now here they were, waiting for the Messiah, but in a totally different context. They were waiting for Him to come, but quite unlike everyone else. They were waiting for Him to actually be born through Mary!

What must they have been thinking? Were they nervous? Were they thinking and wondering what it was going to be like to raise the child who would be the Savior of the world? What was it like for them the day before He was born and what was it like when the hour finally came? They must have been so excited and expectant while being nervous wrecks at the same time! It must have been so joyful to wait for Jesus to be born! Because of that day when Jesus came into the world He created, we have great joy today. Christmas continues to be the most joyous time of year for many people, but especially for those that know Him personally as Lord and Savior of their lives. We wait for Him joyfully each day of our lives to dwell in us as we dwell in Him. We also joyfully wait for Him to come back again to take us to be with Him in glory. An angel of the Lord told the shepherds who were watching their flocks at night that the news they were about to hear would cause great joy for all the people (Luke 2:10). How right he was! Because of Jesus, we are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy that nothing or no one can take from us! Merry Christmas everyone!

Pastor Joey Vazquez