Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net
-----Original Message-----
From: Apostle Tom <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Sun, 23 Dec 2007 13:07:06 -0600
To: <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Subject: Morning Manna (Dec. 24); BP: Lk. 2:1-7; RBTTY: Rev. 15; Habakkuk
December 24 "On Closed Doors and Cold Hearts"
"And so it was that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger—because there was no room for them in the inn."
Luke 2:6-7
Even when others don’t know and/or don’t care, He does—and that’s all that matters.
No doubt it’d been a long, hard journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem for Mary and Joseph. Sitting on the back of a bony-backed donkey some 65-70 miles over rough roads and inclement weather isn’t easy for a woman who’s nine months pregnant. And, then to finally arrive at your destination and find "No Vacancy" signs everywhere no doubt seemed to be "cruel-and-unusual punishment" for this lowly couple.
Their lives had already been turned upside down. Joseph had been diligently working on the bridal chamber next to his father’s house and Mary was excited about their upcoming wedding as she did her daily chores.
But, all that changed the day Gabriel arrived on the scene (Mt. 1:18-25; Lk. 1:26-38). Suddenly, their plans were dashed against the rocks and they had to resort to Plan B, though they had none on file.
They were living by faith. Pure, unadulterated faith.
It would seem that two people chosen by God for such a special purpose would be given preferential treatment. It’s not often a young girl is allowed to give birth to the Son of God, the long-awaited Messiah. And, it’s not often a young man is privileged to be the adoptive father of that special Child. So, you would have thought the innkeepers in Bethlehem would have welcomed them in with open arms and given them the Honeymoon Suite free-of-charge.
Yea, you would have thought that, wouldn’t you?
But, alas, such was not to be—then. . .or now.
"No vacancy" signs still blaze in bright, red letters these days—especially if you profess to be a Christian and happen to believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. Now, as never before, the world’s more interested in the world’s gold than they are God’s glory.
Thus, we shouldn’t be surprised if we find more and more "No room in the inn" signs on people’s hearts and minds than ever before. Truly, it’s "the signs of the times" and "the beginning of sorrows" (Mt. 24:8). And, according to end-time prophecies, we should "Cheer up—for the worst is yet to be!"
But, take heart, weary Pilgrim—for the Lord God is still on His Throne. Even though the masses may reject us and the Good News, there still are those who’ll respond and allow the Christ-Child/Risen Lord to be born in their hearts. Christmas is all about the Birth of Eternal Love and Hope. Therefore, rejoice, Pilgrim, for God’s Dayspring has dawned (Lk. 1:78) and with Him, "joy unspeakable and full of glory" (I Pet. 1:8).
"And so it was that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger—because there was no room for them in the inn."
Luke 2:6-7
Even when others don’t know and/or don’t care, He does—and that’s all that matters.
No doubt it’d been a long, hard journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem for Mary and Joseph. Sitting on the back of a bony-backed donkey some 65-70 miles over rough roads and inclement weather isn’t easy for a woman who’s nine months pregnant. And, then to finally arrive at your destination and find "No Vacancy" signs everywhere no doubt seemed to be "cruel-and-unusual punishment" for this lowly couple.
Their lives had already been turned upside down. Joseph had been diligently working on the bridal chamber next to his father’s house and Mary was excited about their upcoming wedding as she did her daily chores.
But, all that changed the day Gabriel arrived on the scene (Mt. 1:18-25; Lk. 1:26-38). Suddenly, their plans were dashed against the rocks and they had to resort to Plan B, though they had none on file.
They were living by faith. Pure, unadulterated faith.
It would seem that two people chosen by God for such a special purpose would be given preferential treatment. It’s not often a young girl is allowed to give birth to the Son of God, the long-awaited Messiah. And, it’s not often a young man is privileged to be the adoptive father of that special Child. So, you would have thought the innkeepers in Bethlehem would have welcomed them in with open arms and given them the Honeymoon Suite free-of-charge.
Yea, you would have thought that, wouldn’t you?
But, alas, such was not to be—then. . .or now.
"No vacancy" signs still blaze in bright, red letters these days—especially if you profess to be a Christian and happen to believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. Now, as never before, the world’s more interested in the world’s gold than they are God’s glory.
Thus, we shouldn’t be surprised if we find more and more "No room in the inn" signs on people’s hearts and minds than ever before. Truly, it’s "the signs of the times" and "the beginning of sorrows" (Mt. 24:8). And, according to end-time prophecies, we should "Cheer up—for the worst is yet to be!"
But, take heart, weary Pilgrim—for the Lord God is still on His Throne. Even though the masses may reject us and the Good News, there still are those who’ll respond and allow the Christ-Child/Risen Lord to be born in their hearts. Christmas is all about the Birth of Eternal Love and Hope. Therefore, rejoice, Pilgrim, for God’s Dayspring has dawned (Lk. 1:78) and with Him, "joy unspeakable and full of glory" (I Pet. 1:8).
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