Feeling Left Out?? POV Mary’s Christmas Story

Even if you have never read directly from the Bible, we are all familiar with the story of Jesus’ birth. The infamous nativity scene is portrayed throughout the Christmas season in windows, on tree decorations and even in theatrical shows. During Christmas Eve services Luke 2:6-7 is always read aloud to the community, “While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them…..” 

Wait- my mind can’t help but to pause at this phrase. “there was no guest room available for them…”

Am I hearing this right? Here’s Mary….she is:

• highly favored among women “you have found favor with God” (Luke 1:28)
• Chosen by God to carry his ONE AND ONLY SON 
• the mother of the Messiah whose name was Jesus
• pregnant not by natural means but through the power of the Holy Spirit: the third person of the trinity.

And yet, God did not provide a guest room for Mary when he could have. This young woman had traveled far to Bethlehem with her husband while pregnant and she went into labor. Exhausted, away from home, and in labor pains, she seemingly is devoid of God’s favor during that stressful, intense moment. 

Does this sound familiar- something like your story? It certainly sounds like mine. I’ve felt left out, left behind and abandoned or even judged by others who see my struggle. I am not getting what everyone else seems to be getting even if I do more and work harder. In Mary’s story, I can’t help but wonder why God didn’t cause a delay in other’s travel plans so that a room would be available, or why didn’t he move upon someone’s heart to feel mercy for this pregnant lady who was in labor so she could have the privacy to birth her child? There are many unknowns to this story and while we may never understand God, we are told in the scripture, 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,  neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9.

Mary births her firstborn, a son and lays him in a manger. There is some historical evidence that shows that the manger was not actually an outside barn as we all tend to believe. Instead it was likely the lower level of a house where the more helpless, wounded, or pregnant animals would be brought in for the night. Some believe it was an awful cave which was also used as the foundation for which the houses were built. Whatever is true, it shouldn’t change our perspective about the story at at all because what we do know for sure is where there is a manger, there the animals were kept and cared for. This is the place that the Son of God would be be born and then placed in that very manger.  

Interesting isn’t it? The creator, the King of all was born not in a room for people but where the animals were. Truly an inferior place and apart from human choice. If you’re like me, you’re curious as to what the significance is to this part of the story. What lessons is God teaching through the circumstances of not only his birth story, but your life’s story too?

1. Believe that God has set you apart. The angel said,  “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10-12).

What a distinct sign and marker. Jesus was set apart from any other newborn that might have been born on the same night in the same town. His circumstances were not only extremely unique and the very steps needed to fulfill every word spoken about the Messiah, but also remarkably humble.

2. God works through the humble, the lowly in life and dire of circumstances.

I’ve always been fascinated by the details of Jesus’ time while on earth, especially the circumstances of his birth. God could have chosen to come through a very wealthy family or a family of great power. God could’ve instantly been royalty on earth and demanded worship and obedience. And, at very least, he could have been birthed in a guest room at the Inn. Instead, God chose to be born in a highly unusual place in unique circumstances to a humble and God fearing family. 

3. Mary, was highly favored, she was chosen among all women on earth during that time. While Mary was not given the luxuries she probably deserved and some may even argue were necessary for the mother of the Messiah, God did provide for her exactly what she needed at the time she needed it. 

The manger would hold her baby perfectly. Jesus was protected and resting up off of the ground. The high edges carved out of the stone of the manger most likely comforted him and kept him safe and swaddled when he was not being held by his mother and father.

It’s easy to feel lost and have questions asking if God sees you, especially when looking through the worst of life’s circumstances. It’s often through hindsight’s reflection to see where God can be found in your story. Looking back I can see that God has provided for my every need and even some of my wishes too. He’s notorious for setting his people apart, not because his people are better than other people, but instead, as a reminder that we humbly follow the steps of Jesus. The journey following Jesus will feel like the road less traveled and the narrowest of paths. Here is where God will meet your need and provide in unconventional ways and if you’re looking for it, accompanied by a sign and wonder. This confirms you’re on the right path and in the right space. So the next time you feel left out by life’s circumstances, TAKE HEART! The God who provided Mary a manger for his only begotten son will provide for you too. 

And that’s some kind of Love Story in the making!