Barnyard Glory

Luke 2:7 Because there was no lodging available for them, she wrapped the baby in cloth and laid him in a feeding trough.


Have you ever wondered what went through Mary and Joseph’s minds during the pregnancy and birth of Christ? What did they feel on the long journey to Bethlehem? I picture Mary, with each jolt jostling her pregnant body, thinking, “Why didn’t I just stay home?” By the time they wearily arrived at their destination, they found all the hotels booked. “I told you we should have left earlier,” quipped Joseph.
“If you would have only contacted cousin Peter, we wouldn’t be in this position,”complained Mary.
They both wonder, “Where the heck are we supposed to stay? Surely God has something special prepared.”
Yes, He did - a smelly barn. Perhaps Mary thought (after adjusting her expectations about their housing), that somehow she could get back home before the baby comes. No, that didn’t work out either. Mary delivered their first born in that barn far away from family and the comforts of home. Exhausted, she used the feeding trough as a bassinet. Did anyone bring the hand sanitizer and wet wipes? It’s hard to believe God planned it all.

Have you ever felt called to step out in faith, like Mary and Joseph, only to face countless setbacks and disappointments? Unrealistic expectations along with unbiblical teaching can set us up for frustration and defeat. The prosperity gospel, which equates material blessings with spiritual ones, tells us if you follow God’s dreams your future will be bright. However, they neglect to mention that following God is costly, “We must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22)

This Christmas, I am reflecting on the fact that it cost Mary and Joseph dearly to follow God. They probably had to constantly readjust their expectations when faced with the many challenges that came with what was entrusted to them. They had to walk by faith when nothing made sense - an immaculate conception? Friends rejecting them. No room at the Inn? If the circumstances in which God sent his son required hardship and faith, surely we can expect the same.

Are you facing disappointment this Christmas? Did you experience loss this past year? Whatever happened, it doesn’t mean you’ve been forgotten or are unloved. We can see from the first Christmas that a life of faith requires suffering. In this life glory and dung will coexist. If we can accept this, and lay down offenses, we will find meaning, purpose and fulfillment like Mary and Joseph did.