During the Christmas season we sing special songs about the birth of Jesus. Today, you can light the second candle, sometimes called the Bethlehem candle. Sing the carol "O, Little Town of Bethlehem" as you light the candle that reminds us of the little town where Jesus was born. It's purple color (a symbol of royalty) reminds us that our King was born in a humble stable.What must Mary have been feeling as they made that trip to Bethlehem? As a mother who has been pregnant with two full-term babies, I can only imagine what a toll that journey must have taken on her tired body. And how Joseph, her betrothed, must have worried for her! Here she was, very late into her pregnancy, ready to deliver at any time, and there was no place for them to stay! But God had a perfect plan. This little baby was to come and save the world...and God had thought of everything. He would be born in a stable and placed in a manger filled with hay. I love to think that the animals helped Mary keep her baby warm. What a beautiful picture that is!
The birth of my two children, however different they may have been, were the most miraculous events I've ever experienced. Can you imagine how the heavens literally declared the glory of the Lord when Jesus was born? The angels rejoiced, and people came from far and near to see this Chosen One. What an experience that must have been for all those who were able to witness it!
Today, when you light the second candle, read Luke 2:1-7 together as a family. Discuss Mary and Joseph's journey and try to imagine what it might have been like for them. Give thanks to God for His perfect plan...for sending a little baby into the world to save His people from their sins.
"...there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:7
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