There is a stark contrast between the birth of John and the birth of Jesus. People came to celebrate with Zechariah and Elizabeth, friends were all around.
When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy. (Luke 1:57-58)
However, Mary and Joseph were alone.
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 guest room available for them. (Luke 2:6-7)
How lonely that must have been, no friends or family to celebrate. I cannot even imagine the trepidation in a young mother’s heart, and she had to face this new journey all by herself, no mother or aunts to guide and encourage her. How defeating it would be for Joseph to put his son in a feeding trough. It was painful and discouraging time when it should have been one of rejoicing.
God knew they needed encouragement, especially Mary. He knew the rumors, rejection, shame she had experienced. Even Joseph had questioned her integrity.
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. (Matthew 1:18-19)
An angelic visitation through a dream stopped Joseph from sending Mary away. Others would have assumed the worst of Mary and believed she had a tainted reputation. Yet, God defended His precious Mary to Joseph. They obeyed the Lord. However, their obedience did not lead to family parties and celebrations. Instead, their obedience led them to a city, filled with strangers, with no place to stay, and having to place a newborn in a manger.
God knew these faithful, obedient yet lonely followers needed some encouragement.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
Don’t glance over these verses. See them afresh from the viewpoint of a lonely couple, brand-new parents, who needed an encouraging word. They are alone. Their newborn son is asleep in a feeding trough. Suddenly, they hear a voice of a loud, boisterous crowd. A group of shepherds burst onto the scene. They are so excited; Mary and Joseph can hardly catch the story between all of them talking. Finally, one shepherd recounts the glorious events. Mary and Joseph realize that angels from heaven were sent to give the birth announcement of their son! Imagine their hearts filling with joy as they realize that God saw them exactly where they were! The Lord knew they needed encouragement so He sent the shepherds with the good news. Mary and Joseph were not forgotten.
How healing these words would have been for Mary who had already suffered in her hometown. Mary had probably heard terrible reports spread about her concerning the circumstances around her pregnancy. Here in Bethlehem, God allows good news to circulate.
When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. (Luke 2:17-18)
God sees our lonely, distressed hearts. The Lord will not leave us. He will send forth a word to comfort and encourage us. God sees you and me, right where we are. He knows what we are going through. Even in the most unlikely ways, the Lord will find a way to send forth a message of hope for us to hold onto, just like Mary did.
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19)
Treasure the encouraging moments in the heart. They are a source of strength for difficult times in the future. For now, know that God sees us and will encourage us.
God is with us even if others have abandoned us completely. His heart is full of love. The proof of His love was lying in a manger, Emmanuel, God with us. He left the glories of heaven to be close to each one us. Take to heart His encouragement today.