Provision

Caesar Augustus did proclaim one day
that a census would be taken right away.
Everyone was to return
to the town where they had been born.

So Joseph and his expectant wife
traveled by donkey for days and nights
from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea
traveling through the mountains of Samaria.

The town of Bethlehem was filled with travelers -
crowded and noisy with boisterous revelers.
There were many reunions with loved ones.
Bethlehem was filled with gaiety and fun.

When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem
was there no one at all there to welcome them?
They soon learned there were no more rooms in the inns.
Did these two feel alone and unwelcome?

Did they wonder how God would provide?
Would God provide a place to reside?
Neither did they have a midwife.
Did they start their new life with strife?

Seemingly alone as no one welcomed them
despite the large gathering in Bethlehem.
Did no one at all pay attention
to Mary's delicate condition?

Did the long journey start the contractions?
Did Mary know that night there would be action?
Did Joseph worry that they would spend the night outside?
Did Mary tell Joseph, "Just wait and see, God will provide"?

And God did provide
just as Mary confides
for shelter was suggested
though not usually subjected.

For there was one innkeeper
who was kind enough to offer
them shelter in this stable
where he kept his animals.

Did the innkeeper realize Mary was expecting?
Or was it payment for a night's lodging he was expecting?
Did the expectant parents think, 'no thank you',
or were they too weary and tired to argue?

Was Mary in pain
and did the added strain
of no place to stay
on their hearts lay?

There would be no one to attend
when the baby decided to come
though it was the traditional custom
for female relatives to attend.

Was Mary's travail easy?
How did Joseph keep busy?
Would God somehow in time provide?
Did Mary in Joseph confide?

Did they pray and ask God for help
when there wasn't anyone to help?
Were they left alone to fend for themselves in the world
though assured they would nurture the Savior of the world?

Were they alone or did God provide
after they prayed and in God did confide?
Wasn't there anyone to encourage them
there in the little town of Bethlehem?

But wait - encouragers arrived
when same strangers hurried
to Mary and Joseph's side
when the shepherds did abide.

Have you ever thought that perhaps God provided
encouragers when he sent the shepherds
to the stable that night?
Were they a welcome sight?

The shepherds saw this newborn named Christ the Lord, Jesus
the promised Messiah - Emmanuel God with us,
who encourages every man in every nation
down through the ages through hundreds of generations.

* * * *

Today God still provides encouragers among us -
friends, who are often ministering angels among us.
God does provide every need along the way.
Often when we take the time to pray.

What has God provided for you today?
Was it something for which you have prayed?
Maybe it was a friend who saw a need
and provided encouragement in deed.

Yes, God will provide
when we confide.
Often with a surprise
so open your heart wide.

And wait to see how God abundantly provides.
Be sure to celebrate the real Christmas this yuletide!
The birth of the Savior, Jesus, who once came to earth
so that we would believe and receive eternal birth.

Luke 2:1-7