Luke 2:6-7 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. NIV

The other morning when I was preparing to work the 4-10 a.m. shift at the jail, I experienced a new insight into the birth of Jesus in a stable.

It was of course very dark at 3:40 a.m. as I walked down to the corral to feed the animals before going to work. It was also cold. Amidst the dark and the chilly winter’s morn however was the sweet overwhelming presence of God. I heard him in the quiet nickering of the horses and soft bleating of the goats as they patiently waited for their morning feed. I sensed him in the fragrant scent and warmth of the hay as I toiled away pulling it free from the bales and forked it into the tubs. And through the stable’s entrance I witnessed his power and beauty as stars winked high above in the inky blackness and silver moonlight mimicked glittering fire flies on frosty snow. Cocooned in the stillness and beauty of the moment I suddenly found myself thinking of Mary and Joseph and the new born babe, Christ the Lord as they too experienced God with them in a lowly stable so long ago. There would have been no hustle and bustle, no worldly distractions at such a moment, just the simple sounds and sights and fragrance of creation surrounding them, a perfect moment to experience the quiet, yet overwhelming presence of Emmanuel, God with us.

Yes, Jesus was born in a stable because there was no room in the inn. But perhaps the fact that there was no room in the inn, ensured that there would be more room in the hearts of Mary and Joseph for the unfathomable gift of the glory of God when the most glorious birth took place on that glorious night so long ago.

Prayer: Father God thank you for your presence with us each and every day. Thank you for unexpected moments of quiet and solitude that we might hear and feel and smell and know your presence with us in the most remarkable ways, in the most unremarkable circumstances. Bless us with sensitivity and willingness of heart to recognize such glorious moments and glorify your name amidst them. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen

Lynne Phipps
Atlin BC lynnephipps@hotmail.com