Saturday, December 24, 2005
Luke 2:4-7 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
A SERVANT'S BEGINNINGS
A man and his wife set out on a journey
Commanded by Caesar to fulfill his decree.
They arrive in Bethlehem -- crowded to o'er flowing --
None in the village suspecting what would be.
No room in the inn for the traveling couple,
No comfortable lodging anywhere in sight,
Yet the woman named Mary was great with her child,
And this would be her delivery night.
At God's appointed hour, Mary brought forth her son
And swaddled Him with motherly love.
She laid Him in a manger and Scripture was fulfilled
The Messiah had been sent from above.
Such simple beginnings for one yet so great --
God's own eternal Son born on the earth.
He came to be the sinner's substitute.
Come, now, rejoice in His birth!
A birth unnoticed then and oft' forgotten still,
But 'tis God's gracious gift profound.
The Son of God humbled to be your slave,
To bring redemption for sinners the world 'round.
