The Perfect Birth Day
by Heather Tietz
Luke 2:7
She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Birthdays are a big deal at our house.
Everybody gets one day when we remember and rejoice in their life. We plan this special event for weeks in advance, but our children are often scheduling their favorite things months before that.
God, too, planned His Son’s birth.
He ordered the details of it since at least eight centuries before Jesus was born (see Isaiah 9:6). In fact, God was hinting as early as Genesis of His birthday plans (Genesis 3:15).
God didn’t plan His Son’s first taste of life in man-made splendor, in luxury, in quiet, or even in cleanliness. Instead, He planted His Son into a crowded city with brisk air, soft cloth, prickly hay, and warm milk. Baby Jesus experienced the scent of earthly creatures while His new parents gazed with awe on the face of their newborn son.
God’s birthday choices for His Son reveal something wonderful about His interests. For thousands of years, He planned it.
Surely heaven is a neat and orderly place, but Jesus must love the very raw creation that is His. What can we do but love Him, because He first loved us?
Reflection
What were the circumstances of my birth? How often do I thank God for my life? He planned my birth even before I were born, just as He did for Jesus. What does this say about His plans and love for me?
Prayer
Dear God, Thank You for the birth of Your holy Son Jesus. Thank You for sending Him to this imperfect world so I might be saved. May I always have room in my heart for You. I love You. In Jesus’ holy name I pray, Amen.
