Jesus is born!

Jesus was born in a manger with animals.   If God had waited 2000 years He could've been born in a hospital that's sterile, with renowned doctors.  But the Son of God didn't need all of this.  And God's timing is perfect.  This was the time in all of history when man needed a Savior.  What a wonderful gift!  Jesus is Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9

6 For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
NKJV

Many Jews, like Joseph, were in Bethlehem for the Census.  The inns were full.  Perhaps the travel between Nazareth and Bethlehem took a bit longer for Mary and Joseph.  There wasn't a mid-wife or Mary's family to help out, they were alone.  But they did just fine.  They may have felt a little sad that Jesus' birth turned out this way.  They may have expected something more. 
Luke 2:6-7
6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
NKJV
There would've been this strange star lighting where Jesus lay.  A heavenly spotlight on the baby.  Little did they know...

The wise men came to see where the star shone in Bethlehem and they found the King of the Jews.  According to modern astronomers the star did move, the planets changed positions and they estimate it took a year for the grand finale to take place.  The star could've been something else.  Only God knows for sure.  

Matthew 2
9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 

The gold was a gift for a King.  The frankincense was used as incense or perfume.  It was also used in temple sacrifices.  Jesus would be our sacrifice.  The myrrh was used to embalm bodies.  It took faith to follow a star from their own country to another.  They are rewarded- and rejoiced with exceedingly great joy!  All doubt is gone.  Perhaps Joseph burned a little frankincense for his wife.  Or maybe the gifts were too sacred to touch.  Joseph and Mary had money to take care of Jesus.

It was dark out, and while Mary rested with the baby, a strange bleeting and the excited voices of men started getting closer.  Suddenly, a crowd of shepherds and sheep came to them.  The experience they shared filled them with awe and wonder.
Luke 2
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
NKJV
If I were a shepherd I'd run to Bethlehem too!  You notice the shepherd's weren't shy about spreading the word of the angel's visit.  God knows people, He created them.  All through scripture He has chosen people who will either spread the word or remain silent. Mary pondered this in her heart.  I could never do that.  I'd be talking about this for years.  All doubt about the baby was gone.  He's finally here!  For the first time in many years shepherds are treated as important people.  God spoke to them- He gave them a wonderful visit of angels.  They were important!  It didn't matter how people treated them.


Isa 11:10
10 "And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse,
Who shall stand as a banner to the people;
For the Gentiles shall seek Him,
And His resting place shall be glorious."
NKJV
"And His resting place shall be glorious," there were wise men in fine robes, expensive gifts and camels.  Shepherds and sheep gathered near.  A brilliant star lit the manger.  And a radiant Mary and Joseph ponder all they are experiencing.  They are a part of a much bigger plan.  Usually referring to a resting place means a grave.  But Jesus didn't rest... He rose from the grave!  He conquered sin and death.  Now it is 2010 and we wait for more prophecies to be fulfilled, the second coming.  I believe it will happen as naturally and supernaturally as His first.  There will be no more doubt. We must not fall asleep.  Hallelujah!  Merry Christmas to you all!  God bless you.