A good portion of the country is having really bad weather – the snow, sub zero temperatures – yuk! I remember those days. A friend posted their first day of winter temperature, -40.
When we lived in Montana we always had to look at the weather report, consider any possible storms and plan accordingly. Most anywhere we went we would have three mountain passes to go over and winter travelling could be treacherous. Several times we had drives of the “white knuckle” variety. I have been so thankful for Dave’s excellent driving skills and the Lord’s hand of protection.
But what must the weather have been like travelling to Bethlehem all those years ago?
I know it wouldn’t have been sub zero but it can get cold in the desert regions. Was there rain? Ladies, imagine this, you’re nine months pregnant, riding a donkey, and sleeping under the stars. Regardless of the weather, it may have been perfect, that’s not the time you want to try out the new tent and sleeping bags you just got from BassPro, right?
What was Mary thinking, this was certainly a “memory maker”? Did the trip effect her disposition? What questions did this young woman have, afterall it was her first pregnancy? Was there an older, more experienced Mom travelling with them?
“So they went running and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the feeding box. 17 When they saw the baby, they told what the angels said about this child. 18 Everyone was surprised when they heard what the shepherds told them. 19 Mary continued to think about these things, trying to understand them.” Luke 2:16-19 ERV
As a mother, I sit here this morning remembering different Christmas mornings with my children and grandchildren. I pray that the significance of that first Christmas morning stays as the focal point in their lives long after I am gone.
There aren’t enough words of gratitude to express my heart’s joy over the events of that first Christmas morning and how it changed my life.
Thank you Father for loving me enough to give me the gift of Your Son and a relationship of eternal life that first Christmas day.