CHRISTMAS – NO SYRUP

 

Thursday, December 15, 2022

 

CHRISTMAS – NO SYRUP

 

Luke 2:1-7

2 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 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.

 

          I think this is a devotional for men. With just ten days before Christmas, how many beautiful yet unmarried New York cookie shop owners will find true love marrying some obscure and handsome prince? Oh, the tears!

 

          Tax and travel. This is what the real Christmas was like. I googled the distance from Nazareth to Bethlehem and discovered that it is 101 miles from Nazareth, in Israel to Bethlehem which now is in the State of Palestine. Even by car it takes two hours and five minutes with light traffic at 64 degrees. Oh, but that is today’s calculations. Joseph and Mary were not in a Mustang but on a donkey. There were no roads, and no rest stops. Travel was difficult and made more so by the addition of an inward infant.

 

          Cue the custodians and sweep up the glitter. Christmas was dust and sweat and barn-stall smells. By the flickering light of some pre-electric illumination, Joseph fretted over a laboring Mary but finally there was born A PRINCE.

 

Isa 9:6

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

 

Thank you, King of the Universe, for sending Prince Jesus to lighten our darkness and deliver us from evil. AMEN