Come and See - Pt 3

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to 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, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:1-7 ESV).

The second candle represents faith and is called "Bethlehem’s Candle." Micah had foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, which is also the birthplace of King David (cf. Micah 5:2). It also symbolizes preparation. We all prepare for Christmas in different ways. Some spend their time securing that perfect gift; others spend their time preparing for the perfect meal; and yet others plan for the perfect activity. We start earlier every year, even though we never seem to get fully prepared. This is nothing new. Long ago, the world was not preparing itself for Jesus to come either. Yesterday, we saw some of God’s prophecies about the Messiah’s. Micah even told the exact place where the Savior would be born and they still were unprepared. The people of Bethlehem were busy preparing for something else. The Roman Emperor, Caesar Augustus, ordered a census where everyone had to return to their birthplace. That meant Bethlehem would be very busy. Bethlehem was the home city for King David. Many people were descended from his family. Bethlehem had to prepare for these visitors, making enough inn rooms and having enough food to sell. When the time did come for the Savior’s birth, Bethlehem didn’t even have room for this most important guest anyone could have. Bethlehem had no room for the Savior. Even though people were not prepared, that did not mean God’s promise would be broken. Joseph finally found a dry place for Mary to give birth. It was a stable. And it was here that the Savior for all mankind was born. In a similar way, people today have "no room" for Jesus in their lives. Their lives are full. The good things in this life control them. The cares and worries in life control them. People don't want to let Jesus in their lives. To let go of our control is terrifying. The great truth is that God prepares us just as He did Bethlehem. Think about that. The Old Testament prophesy about Jesus being born in Bethlehem was written by Micah was written 700 years before He was born. God did that. Mary and Joseph did not plan it for Jesus to be born in Bethlehem. God did that. God influenced the Roman emperor to order a census so that Mary and Joseph would have to travel to Bethlehem. When Mary and Joseph arrived at a full town, God saw that there would be a safe place. God influenced someone to feel compassion and allow Mary and Joseph to use their stable. Bethlehem was prepared for the Savior to be born because God prepared everything for the Savior to be born. He is doing that for you this year. Listen to Him!