The familiar Christmas nativity scene is a reminder that the baby Jesus was born in a hollowed-out cave where animals were sheltered. He had a feeding trough (manger) for a crib. Not an impressive start by any measure. But it’s a reminder to each of us that were you come from isn”t as important as where you are - and where you are isn’t as important as where you are heading.

What's more problematic, however, is the reason the baby was born in those conditions to begin with. The popular thought is there was no room for them at the Inn. Maybe an oversight in planning, or a lost booking reservation. Whatever…but before you just accept that fact…take another look.

It all started with a government order that everyone return to their native towns for a kingdom-wide census. Jesus’ parents, Joseph and Mary, were from Bethlehem, so they returned to a place very familiar - a place were they grew up. It’s where all of their relatives and childhood friends lived.

But it was actually the worst time for them to travel. Mary was in her ninth month of pregnancy, and each bumpy step by the donkey had to be incredibly uncomfortable. Motion sickness. Animal smells. Dusty roads. It certainly wasn’t a picnic for her (and we all know that if mama ain't happy, then ain't nobody happy!).

That’s were a lot of you are right now. It doesn’t seem like the best time to make the changes you need to make to pursue the things that are in your heart. Well, it’s never a perfect time...but that doesn't mean it's not a good time!

When they arrive in Bethlehem, they’re told there are no rooms available. Okay...let's think about this. If the inn was full, why didn't they simply stay with relatives or friends? I know that whenever I travel back to my hometown, I’m usually bombarded with offers from family and friends who insist that we stay in their home while we’re in town. In fact, I have people who will get upset if they find out that we stayed at a hotel.

It's odd that none of their relatives or friends offered to make room for Joseph and his very pregnant wife. Hmmmmm… But hey, we can all relate. Think about the times when things were lined up in your life so that the cards where stacked in your favor. You made the right plans. You were connected with the right people. The funding was available. Your motives were admirable. But in spite of all that, things didn’t work out the way they should have. Disappointed. Disillusioned. Discouraged. Angry.

I can only imagine how disappointed Joseph felt when it looked like there was no place for them to stay. At some point he had to think, “God, where ARE you? I’m alone, I’m broke, I don’t have any answers, I’m scared”.

Finally, someone offered to let the family spend the night in a cave, and they were more than happy to accept the offer. At least the family wouldn’t be completely out in the cold, but Joseph also probably felt the sting that a man feels when he’s unable to provide the basics for his pregnant wife and unborn child. It certainly wasn’t a high point, no doubt it was a low point—but for sure, it was a lonely point. The thoughts of “NOBODY CARES ABOUT YOU OR YOUR FAMILY!” just screams inside your head during times like these. He felt alone...all alone.

Loneliness is the weather-beaten rest stop that lies somewhere between our high points and our low points.

This is one of those "when one door closes, God will open another door" moments. I believe in that saying, but I also know that in between, it can be hell in the hallway!That’s where faith and mental toughness come in, and also where character is developed.

At the very time Joseph was struggling with his loneliness…at the time when he was being strangled by his poverty…at the very time his young wife was pushing out the baby in the midst of camel urine and cow manure…at the very moment that Joseph was wondering how he was going to care for his family, unknown to him, three important strangers were making their way to the same indistinct cave. When they arrived, things changed.

Three strangers...three wise men...three kings. Whoever they were, they brought some amazing gifts. It was the first recorded baby shower. The gifts were of Gold. Myrrh. Frankincense. Jewelry. Precious ointments. Not one bag of diapers, wet wipes, or musical crib mobiles in the lot. The value of their gifts was enough to provide for the family for the next three years.

So here are three takeaways from the problem with Bethlehem:

1. Don’t give up on your journey.

Faith isn’t always about making something materialize out of nothing, sometimes it’s simply a matter of staying the course until you encounter those things on the road you’re already traveling.

2. Be generous.

The wise men gave gifts, and generosity is always a component of true wisdom. I want to encourage everyone reading this blog to make it a goal this holiday season to be one of these “wise men”. Give something to someone that will really make a difference in their lives. If you have strained relationships with relatives or friends, pick up the phone and make the call that breaks the ice—let that phone call be your gift. If you don’t have the courage to make a call, send a card and include a personal note suggesting reconciliation.

3. You don’t have to have all the answers to move forward with your life.

No one knows why none of Joseph and Mary’s relatives and friends didn’t help them. Perhaps some didn’t like the scandal of Mary being pregnant before they were married. Maybe Joseph burned some bridges long ago and had to leave town. Maybe they owed money and were too embarrassed to ask for additional help. We are never given the answer, however, we do know that things turned out great for them. We won’t always get the answers that we want, especially when unexpected difficulties with other people (especially haters) pop up. Let it go, and allow yourself to move forward.

Don’t let your trials distract you from your trail. Remember, the pathway forward always begins with the very next step.
Copyright: Carl Prude Jr. 2014

Thanks for taking the time to read this blog!
If you enjoy this blog, please leave a comment, subscribe, and share with friends!