Can you imagine a young couple looking for a place to stay at Christmas time, only to find out that none of the hotels had any vacancy? Has that ever happened to you? It’s happened to me and my family. Oh, not at Christmas time, but it often seems to happen in places like the middle of New Mexico where there already are almost no hotels. And it usually happens when you are exhausted and just can’t drive anymore.
The young couple above was facing further problems, for to make matters worse, the soon-to-be mom was nine months pregnant. They had traveled all day long. And when they finally came upon a small town, it happened–there was no vacancy at any hotel. They had absolutely nowhere to go. And little did they know, but the mom’s water was just about to burst.
Thankfully (sort of), a man who owned a stable offered to let them stay in the stable. Having nowhere to go, they took it. And then the mom went into labor. Before long, she gave birth to a little boy. They named him, “Jesus.”
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “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 cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Yes, that was a long time ago. In fact, it was over 2,000 years ago. One of Israel’s prophets, Isaiah, had prophesied: “For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Shortly the world will again celebrate Jesus’ birth. 2020 has been a challenging year. If you need peace, then may I suggest that you call out to the Prince of Peace: Jesus. Jesus said, “Come unto me, all you who labor, and I will give you rest.”
May you have a Merry Christmas this year, and please know that God loved you so much that He sent His only begotten Son, that if you would believe in him, then you will not perish, but have everlasting life.
Law Offices of Stuart E. Fagan 
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