Changi Chapel

Can you imagine the desperation that Joseph experienced the first Christmas…

A stable was not where Joseph wanted to be that night. It held no romance for him. He was only there out of desperation.

But the stable was not about Joseph or Mary. It was about the Son of God making himself nothing (Philippians 2:7). He had come to humble himself to unfathomable depths. So he borrowed a stable for his birth.

Later, after an excruciating death to make propitiation for our sins, he would borrow a tomb.

And in that is a Christmas word to us. There are times, while seeking to follow God faithfully, we find ourselves in a desperate moment, forced to a place we would not choose to go. It’s then we must remember: we are not our own.

Our lives and circumstances are not ultimately about us. They are about Jesus Christ.

The Father has purposes for us and our hardships that extend far beyond us.

And often what appears like a misfortune or a lack of provision in the moment – later proves to be a means of great mercy.

So maybe what we need most this Christmas is not less trouble or turmoil, but more trust.

For God chooses stables of desperation as the birthplaces of his overwhelming grace.

The first Christmas was uncomfortable for Joseph and Mary – are you too willing to pay a price to do His will?

Jon Bloom
Desiring God Ministries

You can read the full article at http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/a-stable-of-desperation. Jon Bloom has captured the reality of the first Christmas very poignantly in this stirring and moving piece. Wishing you a wonderful time with your family and friends remembering His first coming as a Babe in the manger – even as we prepare for His next coming as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords…..John @ India

© Jon Bloom

Your comments, thoughts or suggestions are welcome. The body text is by the author, the header and the words in italics are mine – John B. Samuel