The green lush needles of a fir tree. These wonderful evergreen trees give us much hope during the winter months. It was a fir tree I was reflecting on as I focussed on the journey to Jesus birth and the idea that perhaps Mary and Joseph rested under the tree, although I doubt it was a fir tree, but I shall start at the beginning of the short reflection.

Luke 2:4-7

4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife,[a] who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Journey

The journey starts at Nazareth, Joseph & Mary returning to a home town. 

This Christmas we return to get together with family, but is God’s family part of this journey?

The Christmas Tree

The tree was used as a shelter, a form of rest on the journey. Mary & Joseph travelled from Nazareth to Bethlehem and rested.

Can you take a moment to rest and reflect on what has been in the past and perhaps read the bible in your daily routine? Perhaps even place a bible under the Christmas tree and spend some time each day to reflect.

The Inn

The Inn may reflect our busyness in life, and especially at Christmas where there may seem like there are too many things to do, but Mary and Joseph were turned away and put in the lowly stable.

Are you putting the joyful story of Jesus out of our life, and can you visit the stable. How many times do I see a sealed off scene of the nativity with people ignoring this and rushing past to get to the shops to consumerism.

The Stable

The stable is where God chose to place His only Son Jesus. Even though this is such a humble, fragile small life. He grew and influenced the world with His message of forgiveness from sin.

Is there a small place in your life to let the light of Jesus shine and grow? Jesus only needs a seed of faith to grow.

The Manger

The manger, or food trough for the animals is where the baby Jesus was placed as this new life came into the world. His first bed, was a bed of straw that animals ate from.

What new light will we bring into this world from such humble beginnings?

Can we allow God to guide our small tasks and allow them to grow?

Dear God thank you for your presence today. I pray that you can come into many peoples lives this Christmas and change them so that we can all take out your message and expand your Word.

Amen