Daily Devotional for Tuesday 19th December
The Humble Arrival
In our reading today, we find the humblest beginnings of the greatest story ever told! In the little town of Bethlehem, the divine narrative unfolds as Mary and Joseph embark on a journey that would shape the course of history.
In the simplicity of their travels, Mary and Joseph carried with them the weight of prophecies and promises. Verse 1 sets the historical context, emphasising that God’s timing is perfect. The decree for a census, seemingly a bureaucratic event, was a divine setup for the fulfilment of Micah’s prophecy (Micah 5:2).
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times.”
As they arrived in Bethlehem, the town is yet unaware of the extraordinary event that is about to happen, meanwhile, in the most unassuming of places, the Son of God was to be born.
The scene in the manger is a poignant reminder that God often chooses the ordinary to showcase the extraordinary. Wrapped in swaddling clothes, the saviour of the world lay in a humble manger, no grand palace or royal court, revealing divine humility and accessibility to everyone. The angels visiting the shepherds further emphasises this inclusivity, as the good news was first shared with those on the outskirts of society. This challenges our worldly expectations of power and prestige, emphasising that God’s ways are not our ways.
Our reading today invites us to ponder our own journey of faith and to hold on to God’s promises for us. It encourages us to recognise the divine in the ordinary, to find God’s presence in the midst of life’s simplicity. And it’s a reminder that’s God’s timing is always perfect.
Time to reflect…
As we look back on our own lives over the years, how can we see God’s promises and his timing working out?
Sometimes it can be difficult when we’re stuck in the moment, to see where God is at work through the hard times, but we can take comfort from the words of this verse from Romans 8:28 knowing that God is always working for our good.
‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’
Pause to pray…
Heavenly Father thank you that you journey with us through the ups and downs of life, and that you are always working for our good through your perfect timing. We trust in your promises for our lives. Help us to see the divine in the ordinary, and to find your presence in the midst of life’s simplicity. Amen
