The Perfect Place

Whilst pondering the remarkable gift God gave to us in Jesus on that first Christmas some 2000 years ago, it struck me afresh just how perfect His place of arrival was to be. As a baby He was born into such lowly and humble circumstances. There was no warm, cosy house with a Moses basket and soft blankets awaiting His arrival. His place of birth was to be a dirty, chilly stable where He was wrapped in cloths and laid in a manger.

The shepherds who visited the baby Jesus in the stable could no doubt relate to His circumstances and identify with Him. And yet He was also visited later on in a humble home by nobility - wise men in all their finery and wealth. There was no person in this world who would not have been welcome to come to Jesus in His humble surroundings. Just as the stable door was open for all to go and visit the newborn King and Saviour back then, so Jesus' heart is always open to receive any person – whatever their background today.

How perfect that God did not choose the Messiah to be born into royalty and wealth, which no doubt would have put an unseen barrier between Him and those less well off, such as the shepherds. And how wonderful that the wise men weren’t deterred from following the star beyond Herod's palace to much poorer surroundings to find the King they were seeking. Jesus was born into this world for one and all, and He is beckoning us to draw close to Him today – however we may see ourselves – He sees us with a heart of love and compassion. Will you come to our Lord and Saviour to worship Him afresh this Christmas time?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You that You chose the perfect place for Jesus' birth. Thank You that, just as back in the stable all were welcome to go and worship Him, so He still welcomes us with open arms to draw close and worship Him today. Lord Jesus, I want to come and worship You afresh today. Amen.