ADVENT DAY 10: Dec. 10
Manger Animals, the First Witnesses
In his book, An Angel’s Story, Max Lucado sets the scene for the animals.
“I’ve heated the water!”
”No need to yell, Joseph. I hear you fine.”
Mary would have heard had Joseph whispered. The stable was even smaller than Joseph had imagined, but the innkeeper was right – it was clean. I started to clear out the sheep and cow, but Michael stopped me.
“The Father wants all of creation to witness the moment.”
Mary cried out and gripped Joseph’s arm with one hand and a feed trough with the other. The thrust in her abdomen lifted her back, and she leaned forward.
“Is it time?” Joseph asked.
She shot back a glance and he had his answer. Within minutes the Anointed One was born. I was privileged to have a position close to the couple, only a step behind Michael. We both gazed into the wrinkled face of the infant. Joseph had placed hay in a feed trough, giving Jesus His first bed.
All of God was in the infant. Light encircled His face and radiated from His tiny hands. The very glory I had witnessed in His throne room now burst through His skin.
Think about it for a minute…God wanted all creation to witness the birth – the cows and sheep, donkeys and goats. If you have a pet, you know how they become a part of the family. And this family, with no judgment or doubt or fear, happily gave up space in their small stable to make room for the King of Kings.
Look Up – Connect with God
Read: Luke 2:6-12
Key Verse: “This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’” (Luke 2:12)
Pray: Father God, thank you for dogs and cats and goats and chickens that bring such joy and love to our lives; they help us learn what unconditional love truly is. May we show that same love and joy to each other as we prepare for Jesus’s birth this Christmas season.
Look In – Family Memories
Discuss: If you have a family pet, talk about how you think he or she would have reacted had they been in the stable that first Christmas night. Remind yourselves that God created animals and gave them personalities too.
A Homestead Holiday Dec. 10 12-4pm
Daniel Boone Homestead
400 Daniel Boone Rd Birdsboro
https://www.thedanielboonehomestead.org/event-details/a-homestead-holiday-1
Visit the Daniel Boone Homestead and experience Christmas as it was almost 300 years ago with your family and friends. Visitors can learn about English and Pennsylvania German holiday celebrations, enjoy parlor music with Bob Mouland, listen to the Homestead Carolers, visit with Santa and the Belsnickel, and enjoy Christmas crafts and activities. Throughout the historic area, visitors will hear about the different Christmas traditions of the families who lived on the property throughout the eighteenth century as they tour the festively decorated buildings.
Look Out – Connect with Others
As you worship God on this Sunday Morning, connect to those who are sitting around you in church. Make an effort to meet someone you don’t know and show them God’s unconditional love.
