Few people dislike winter any more than I do so why would I choose a favorite holiday in the winter? The events described in the second chapter of Luke are what make it my favorite time of year. We celebrate these events on December 25th. To connect this circle, these events are what make Luke chapter two my favorite scripture passage. Luke 2:11says, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was born on Christmas Day.

I never think of Christmas but what I don’t think of the wonder of His birth. Jesus was born in a stable, a manger for a bed. I have heard the stable described as a stall or shed and I read that it may have been a cave. A Christmas song that I have listened to lately calls it a tiny rundown barn. I’m sure it was not like any barn we would see today. The manger that served as a bed for God’s Son was a manger, a trough, a place to feed animals; probably not very clean. I do like to believe that Joseph found clean hay for Jesus’ bed. Knowing the plan for His life, from beginning to end, Jesus still chose to come to earth in a most humble way. Even the first announcement to the shepherds was not one of a king. The shepherds were outcasts, not clean, polished, or educated. They were not even tolerated by most people according to what I have read. Yet they were the first to worship His Son.

It’s three weeks until Christmas; I have three weeks to ponder these things and try to understand the wonder, amazement, and reverence that were over the stable that night.

God says His way is not my way but I am thankful that His way is always best and seems to always contain a blessing, again.

By Wilda Caplinger