And she brought her first born son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7
It is late afternoon and Mary and Joseph are tired and dusty from their long journey. Mary is in labor. Because of the Census, all available lodging in Bethlehem is taken. A stable will serve as the delivery room. Look what God gave up when he came into this world as a baby! He gave up Heaven for a dark, filthy, and smelly stable. Mary is a first time Mother. She had to have been a little anxious and frightened. However, Mary trusted God and His promises. Jesus was born and Mary wrapped him in swaddling cloths to give Jesus a sense of security and closeness. (Much like Jesus's presence gives us in our lives) Jesus was then laid in a manger. No new crib for the new born king and only a mattress of hay to lay upon.
On the second verse "The cattle are lowing" isn't mentioned in scripture, but it is a stable, and I like to think of cows being there chewing their cud and mooing in amazement at what is taking place in their stable. "I love thee Lord Jesus, look down from the sky..." is a dramatic change from the first verse. We are no longer looking down at baby Jesus, but now Lord Jesus is in the sky. This is the ascended Jesus, after his resurrection from the dead.
On the third verse --"Be near me Lord Jesus I ask thee to stay" could be a mother's prayer asking Jesus to always be near her and her child. She wants God to be actively involved in helping her make good parenting choices. She also wants Jesus's help so that her child will grow in the faith. Also, her prayer is for this: that at the end of their earthly lives, " And take us to Heaven to live with Thee there." The last verse could also be a prayer made by a child for him/herself and their friends.
Prayer: Heavenly Father when life becomes chaotic let us come to you in prayer. For it is only through you, we will find the peace and comfort we seek. Like a lullaby, you will calm and bring peace out of our pandemonium. Amen.
Ann Tallent
Comments
Post a Comment