Saturday, December 21, 2002
 

While [Joseph and Mary] were [in Bethlehem], 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.

Luke 2:6-7, New International Version

    I've always been amazed at how God chose to place his Son into our world. He could have done it any way he wanted. But he chose this way -- to enter the world in difficult times under difficult circumstances as a helpless infant who must be cared for by parents who were vulnerable to so many frailties. Yet in spite of the challenges that lay ahead and the bewildering mystery that confronted them, Joseph and Mary -- along with everyone around them -- were caught up in the great joy of this new child. Thank God for such new hope!