THE MIRACLE OF MIRACLES

A Paraphrase of Luke 2:1-20 It was a beautiful day, birds singing, sun shining, people moving and talking... trying to get to a particular place to do a particular thing. The particular place being Bethlehem; the particular thing...pay taxes. If anything could take the wonderful beauty of a beautiful day and turn it into a sour note was the idea of paying taxes. This was a common thing, however, to pay taxes. It was something that all families had to face in those days, ever since Caesar Augustus announced to the world that they all must pay taxes. Even though there were many people in those days that did not gain any personal benefit from these taxes, each knew he was responsible for doing his share.

Of the many people who traveled toward Bethlehem, two special people were among them. These two were special because they were people that would eventually change the outlook of the whole world. Joseph and Mary, beautiful people, a wonderful couple, and special in the eyes of God. "Special" because they were chosen by God to help usher in God's master plan...that of fulfilling Scripture in saving mankind from their sin. Although Joseph did not play as significant role as Mary, he was very important in that God used him in a mighty way when Mary needed something, protection, and reassurance that everything was going to be alright.

So Joseph traveled steadily toward Bethlehem with Mary, his wife, as a friend and companion. Between the two, however, they knew a secret that would change the whole world. Sure, everyone could easily see that young Mary was expecting a new baby, this was no secret, but what they did not know was that this baby was going to be a special child. Of course, every parent feels that their child is special...but this baby was infinitely "special." One that cannot nor ever will be matched from His birth to the end of time.

Mary went with Joseph to Bethlehem riding on one of the two major means of travel by land in those days. For the rich and prestigious people, they had camels or horses to ride; but, for the poor, common ordinary folk...a lowly donkey. Mary rode on the small donkey while her husband walked. The road was rocky and dirty. The ride to Bethlehem was a rough and uncomfortable one for Mary. She, however, was a very strong, courageous, and innocent girl. She kept herself in good physical condition because she felt that this was her duty... certainly an honor and privilege, to be the one, the only one ever to be chosen by God to carry His only Son. She felt honored, she felt special, and she felt grateful...and therefore, did every thing that was supposed to be done in those days to assure proper delivery of the beautiful dream housed inside her body.

At last Bethlehem was in sight and as Mary and Joseph moved down the busy streets they were amazed that this was the city God had chosen for deliverance of the Son of God. Joseph tried desperately to find a place to stay for the night. It seemed, however, that every place he tried there was a "No Vacancy" sign staring him in the face.

The Inn was filled to capacity due to the tax census being taken. In fact, all available space in the small town was taken for the night. Joseph started to walk away from the Inn thinking that the only thing to do was to sleep outside the city on the hard ground. He would try to make it as comfortable as possible for Mary. But in his mind he could not forgive himself for not timing his arrival more appropriately. He thought to himself... "Almighty God, Creator of the universe, most Holy One...I've come this far by relying on you and I just trust you now. What do I do?"

The words were not out his thought and mind when the Innkeeper caught Joseph by the arm and said, "I noticed your wife is expecting and I just thought that you might want to try the stable in the back of our Inn. This would be out of the cold wind and it would be soft enough in the hay that it may be fairly comfortable. Maybe not ideal, but better than on the ground."

Joseph, not verbally, but in his mind and heart immediately thought "Thank you, God, I'll never doubt you and I know now that everything will work out for the best."

The stable was not like home, nor was it like it would have been had there been room for them in the Inn. But Joseph, in his warm, tender, compassionate way, did everything to make his wife comfortable. He sought the softest hay, the warmest stall, and used his own coat for Mary to rest her head. However, Mary did not get to rest long...for the time for her baby was quickly drawing near.

When the first labor pains hit Mary, she cried with a loud voice. For this was truly a pain that she had never experienced before. She was frightened at first, not knowing what to expect and especially not having her mother or friends to hold her hand for comfort and encouragement. Joseph, however, clutched Mary's hand, put his arm around her neck and told her not to be afraid...for he was there...he would take care of her. He immediately calmed her when he whispered softly and gently, "Mary, Mary! Not only am I here to help, but, truly you have God by your side."

The labor pains started at a very fast and steady pace. Mary knew that this time was the right time. As the Holy child was delivered, Mary cried out, "Into thy hands I place my all." As Mary uttered these words, a baby's cry was heard. Jesus, Savior and Lord, was born.

Joseph, with tears in his eyes, looked at the child and saw that he was perfect; strong lungs and kicking frantically for life. Minutes passed and Joseph and Mary looked at the baby and then stared at each other; both with tears in their eyes and joy filling their souls. For quite sometime both cried, praised God, held each other, and prayed.

The infant child, a beautiful boy, was hungry from the start. Mary felt even more complete and chosen by God now; for she knew the infant boy was completely dependent on her. With such a responsibility, Mary would freely give of herself ...for food for the child was provided by giving nourishment from her own body. Mary was truly a beautiful, responsible, and caring mother.

So Bethlehem was a special place, for even the heavens declared it so...for far above Bethlehem a star was shining so very brightly. And outside the city, a small group of men were gathered this night. All were pleasantly quiet watching their herds of sheep as the night winds howled through the nearby trees. A small flame was still flickering around the campfire as the shepherds hummed tunes, told stories, and listened intently for any noise that might frighten the sheep.

Suddenly, the heavens seemed to open and a great light, even the glory of the Lord shined down on the shepherds. The shepherds fell to their knees, crying and pleading for mercy. A voice immediately answered saying, "You don't have to be afraid. I have come to tell you about the greatest news you have ever heard or ever will hear. From the very beginning and as far as you can remember you heard about a Messiah coming to rule your people. He will be a Savior, Yes; He will be Christ the Lord. And I have come to tell you, He is here! He truly is here! And you are special; special because you, friends of God, you who know how to care for the meek and lowly lamb; you who are compassionate and willing to take care of God's innocent creatures who can not take care of themselves. Yes, you are the first to have the opportunity to see the young child, the Messiah, and believe; and, then the opportunity to go forth and tell others about God's wonderful gift to a sinful and dying world." When the angel finished uttering these words, the heavens rang out with a multitude of heavenly host, praising God for performing the greatest of all miracles.

The angel and the heavenly host all praised God and stated that truly peace, joy, and new life will be with the world this night because of the innocent lamb that was perfected this holy night. Just as the angel had told the shepherds that they must find the child and tell others, they were also told that the young child could be found in Bethlehem, the city of David, lying in a manger, in a stable, wrapped in burial clothes.

As the angels descended back to heaven, the shepherds looked up in amazement... and yet, deep in their hearts they knew that they, too, were chosen...and that they had a responsibility that must be met immediately. They must go and find the Christ child.

With the fresh excitement still in their voice, in their eyes, and in their hearts, the shepherds finally found Jesus asleep in His mother's arms. The shepherds worshipped the babe and praised God for letting them be the first witnesses of the beautiful boy child, Jesus, in whom they knew was more than a special gift...it was heaven sent to earth.

After kissing the young child on the forehead and praising Joseph and Mary for being the servants in whom God was well pleased, the shepherds went away rejoicing, praising God, and ready to tell all the world about Jesus and what the angel had said concerning His greatness.

As the shepherds left, Mary looked at Jesus and thought to herself, "God, you have been so good. I will never forget all the glorious things that have happened." With tears in her eyes, she prayed silently to God as she rocked the young babe who was cradled in her tender arms.

And Mary, too, being very tired, leaned against Joseph, kissed his cheek, and went to sleep saying over and over again... "I love you, Jesus. I love you, Lord. And, thank you God for everything."