Ready or not, here I come. The words of hide-and-go-seek ring as true as they did 2,000 years ago. The small town of Bethlehem was unprepared for the arrival of the King of kings. The local innkeeper was overbooked. His only suggestion for Joseph and his pregnant wife was the barn out back. “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law to redeem…” (Galatians 4:4 ESV).
The timing of the Lord is always right. Man often disagrees, doubting that the events are best for himself. The innkeeper in Bethlehem wasn’t accommodating. Neither was Herod, the Roman official. The local priests knew the correct location for the Messiah’s birth but not the timing.
The shepherds in the nearby fields were scared when the angels appeared and proclaimed the Lord’s birth. But they responded positively to the divine announcement and sought the Lord. They found Jesus in the inn’s barn lying in a feeding trough. The only place ready for the Lord was a building out back for animals.
Is it any wonder that today’s society has the busyness of life? Many seem to miss the reason for the season—celebrating the birth of the Son of God. The Messiah decided to take up residence here on earth for a while. He did so with little fanfare, practically unnoticed.
Jesus, in his earthly journey, impressed many. The Lord preached to all, healed many, and raised the dead. Unfortunately, he was ignored and rejected by many. Finally, a few decided to kill him. Yet his shed blood was for them as well as us.
Ready or not, the Christmas season is upon us. Can it be said, “This year, you were celebrating for the right reason, not hiding or making excuses?”
