Morning Devotional 120625 Unexpected Blessings

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

December 6, 2025 

Luke 2:1-7

1 In those days, Caesar Augustus declared that everyone throughout the empire should be enrolled in the tax lists. 2 This first enrollment occurred when Quirinius governed Syria. 3 Everyone went to their own cities to be enrolled. 4 Since Joseph belonged to David’s house and family line, he went up from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to David’s city, called Bethlehem, in Judea. 5 He went to be enrolled together with Mary, who was promised to him in marriage and who was pregnant. 6 While they were there, the time came for Mary to have her baby. 7 She gave birth to her firstborn child, a son, wrapped him snugly, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guestroom.

Good Morning! For unto us a child is born!

Humble beginnings! When the time comes for a baby to be born, there is sometimes little choice by the mother as to where this will take place. We read about babies born in cars on the way to the hospital, in elevators, and in places of business. Perhaps the long trip to Bethlehem on the back of the donkey accelerated the day of arrival. 

We get but a glimpse of this happening. We know it is a busy time, with rooms at a premium. I have experienced this problem in my past. We were traveling, ready to rest for the night, and there were no rooms available. How I would have been overjoyed at the opportunity to stay anywhere, rather than continuing to the next exit or town. 

Mary, being an expectant mother, and Jesus, the baby who is ready to come, the birth happened in a lowly stable. They were out of the wind, and Mary had a space to give birth. Ideal? No! But a space nonetheless. 

As those who have the benefit of reading the whole story of Jesus’ life, we know that this is the beginning of a lifetime filled with unexpected events and new ways to see and do everything. Jesus, who ate with sinners and walked among the outcasts, began his life without fancy things in the company of stable animals, Mary and Joseph, and the shepherds who were called by the angels to share in the story. The story of a baby who will save us all.

Lord, you bless us abundantly! Thank you for sending your son to save us! We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Keep awake and be prepared for the unexpected. 

God makes all things possible! Pastor Liz