Luke 2:4-7 — 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:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 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.

Our Living Christmas Tree choral / dramatic (and everything else!) celebration is over. This year’s edition was called “Journey To The Manger”. It has set me thinking … Joseph and Mary, the shepherds, and Jesus Himself, all made the journey. Every one who becomes a Christian makes that journey.
Joseph and Mary made the journey because they were forced to. The shepherds made the journey because they were called by angels, and believed. Jesus made the journey because He and His Father chose it. Those three reasons can apply to us, too.
Our journeys can be driven by obedience, by faith, and by choice. In fact there probably driven by all three at the same time.
Joseph and Mary traveled a long way to the manger — it might not seem so far, but it was a donkey ride for Mary and a footslog for Joseph. It was a shorter journey for the shepherds, but coming from the hills might have been arduous. And Jesus … how to describe His journey? Was it infinitely long … or no distance at all? It’s not a geographic question perhaps, but a descent from divinity to humanity. Perhaps our journeys are equally varied, each of us coming from our own starting point, coming along our own path, facing our own challenges.
What did they find when they came to the manger? Joseph and Mary, perhaps found the answer to a desperate search. The shepherds found a place of worship. Jesus found a stage for his transformation … the entry of the Son of God as the God-man. Was it like that for you? Did you find the answer to a search, did you find a place for worship, did you find a stage for a transformation? For me, it was all three.
I tried to find a church several times before I found my present church … but I knew I needed something. When I came to the manger worship started to blossom in my heart. My life before I came to the manger was, at best, worldly. There have been changes …
The manger is a special place. If you haven’t found it yet, come and join us!