Note: This devotion material was purchased digitally from YM360 to be used for the Advent Season of 2024.
Day Eleven: The Manger of Hope
“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.
This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be
registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of
Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house
and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while
they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and
wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them
in the inn.” — Luke 2:1-7
This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be
registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of
Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house
and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while
they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and
wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them
in the inn.” — Luke 2:1-7
Could you imagine this happening? Think back to a time when you traveled a far distance, perhaps on the way to vacation or moving to a new city. When you got to your destination, was everything how it should have been, or did things not go according to plan?
Joseph and Mary didn’t have time to plan for the worst because they entered Bethlehem by decree, hoping for a place to rest once they arrived. After all, Mary was not far from giving birth to Jesus, and traveling can wear you out! Their hope faded as they found no rooms available that night, but what came from this event was hope for the world as Jesus was born in a humble manger away from the crowds.
The Christmas hymn, “Away in a Manger,” details their experience like this:
“Away in a manger
No crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus
Lay down His sweet head
The stars in the sky
Look down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay”
No crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus
Lay down His sweet head
The stars in the sky
Look down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay”
It was a simple and peaceful nativity scene, emphasizing the humble beginning of Jesus’ life in a manger because there was no room at the inn. Through this, we can be reminded of the hope that God offers in both the planned and the unknown!
Questions:
1. Why do you think God chose Jesus to be born in a place like a manger instead of a grand palace?
2. What lessons can we learn from Mary and Joseph’s faith and trust in God’s plan despite their challenges?