What Jesus Did! 'The Right Time Came' — Luke 2:6-7

Thursday, January 26, 2023

And while [Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem], the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.
— Luke 2:6-7 NLT

Key Thought

We all wait in anticipation for the birth of a child in our families. We are waiting for the time to come. No one can be sure when that time will arrive. The sages may debate about how the baby is being carried and speculate on the arrival date. Doctors and nurses will talk about subtle body signals, dilation, and effacement, but they can't be sure either. Young children awaiting a new sibling will drive everyone crazy by asking every day for months if this is the day. Imagine the excitement among the angels of heaven at this birth of Jesus! It wasn't just Joseph and Mary who were waiting. The hosts of heaven awaited Jesus' birth. [1] So at just the right time, [2] the "time came for her baby to be born." Like any good mother, Mary welcomed her child, and God began his gracious and sacrificial journey through humanity, swaddled at his birth like every other new baby, but with his bed made in a manger — a humble beginning for a humble life. [3] The question you and I face is whether we will give God a room in the most important place, a place in our hearts.

[1] Luke 2:13-15.
[2] Galatians 4:4.
[3] Philippians 2:7-8; Matthew 20:28; John 13:5.

Today's Prayer

How do I comprehend your gracious and sacrificial love, dear Father? Coming in human flesh as a baby! Swaddled in strips of cloth like the babies of that day! Making your bed in a manger! Holy God, my Abba Father, please know that I want you to make your place in my heart. You are welcome here. Your presence is desired. Thank you for the grace of coming in Jesus. Thank you for your grace of also coming to live in me through your Spirit. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Galatians 4:4
  • John 1:14-18
  • 1 Peter 1:8-12

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, January 26, 2023

Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 14:21
"He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'No One is Holy Like the Lord!' (1 Sa. 2:1-2)
"Then Hannah prayed: "My heart rejoices in the LORD! The LORD has made me strong. Now I have an answer for my enemies; I rejoice because you rescued..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'A Slave to Righteousness' (Ro. 6:12-18)
"Dear Father, Master of my life, Help me to yield myself to you as one who has been brought from death to life. Help me yield my members to you as..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'A Spirit-Powered Message' (1 Co. 2:4-5)
"My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on human...."

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 2:6-7 NLT — And while [Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem], the time came for her baby to be born.

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!