CHRISTMAS IN A STABLE

Life has been crazy in the Keith household since our flood. We are finishing up repairs and plan to put up our tree and stockings tomorrow…one day before our family Christmas. Ha!!!! I can’t wait.

I got to thinking about our mess and my mind drifted to the first Christmas in a stable.

Sheep bleating, birds cooing and donkeys braying. Hay, animal food and animal dung. Oh dear, it had to be a mess. Really?!! Out of all the beautiful places in the world, this is where the King of Kings and the LORD of Hosts chose to come.

Who created the entire universe…things visible and invisible by the power of His word? Who walked with Adam in the garden and had dinner with Abraham? Who led the angelic host in battle on behalf of the kings of Israel over and over again?!! The phrase is used 232 times in the Scriptures!!!

One of my favorite stories is when the LORD led His armies above Balsam trees.

David had just been anointed king over all of Israel and the Philistines came together to find David. When David heard of it, he went down to his stronghold and inquired of the LORD. “What shall I do? Shall I go up against them? Will You be with me and give them over to my hand?”

And the LORD said. “Go, and I will certainly give the Philistines over to you.”

So, David went up against them and he defeated them. It must have been quite a scene because David describes the battle like breaking through water. David worships the LORD and says it the LORD who went before him.

The Philistines are not about to be outdone and once more come up against David.

Once again, David inquires of the LORD. Notice, there is no cookie-cutter response! In other words, David doesn’t assume that God works the same way all the time. Each step of the way, he asks, “LORD, what do you want me to do this time?”

This is the part I love.

The LORD tells David, this time do not go up directly. Circle around behind them and when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall act promptly. For the LORD has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.

So, who is leading the armies of God? Jesus!!

Most scholars believe it is Jesus in His preincarnate state before He put on flesh and came into our world as baby. Have you ever thought of Jesus as a warrior?? I love it. Our LORD Jesus is not only the Creator, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace and Everlasting Father. He is a warrior, and He fights for us. Wahoo!!!

The Bible tells us that David became greater and greater because the LORD of hosts was with him. (1 Chronicles 11:9)

Our Wonderful LORD and Savior not only made us and this entire universe, He comes to us. The LORD of hosts enters into our messy world and into our messy lives ,and fights for us.

O sweet gentle baby Jesus, thank you for coming into a messy stable and into my messy life. Thank you for being our warrior and going to battle for us…and for me!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Blessings ‘n hugs,
Bobbie