For the past nine months, the Lord has called me to walk through the book of Isaiah. It’s quite the roller coaster ride, but truly, Dear Reader, I was a bit sad to see that journey end (at least for now).

Much of Isaiah’s book prophesies about the coming Savior. I should not have been surprised for the Lord to direct me to the book of Luke immediately on the heels of Isaiah.

For to us a Child shall be born, to us a Son shall be given;
And the government shall be upon His shoulder,
And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

isaiah 9:6 AMP

Yes, Dear Reader, I know Advent is still weeks away. That doesn’t mean we can’t be captured and drawn in close to the Nativity the rest of the year. It didn’t take long for the Lord to knock my socks off with one short, simple sentence at the beginning of Luke 2.

 While Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have the baby.

Luke 2:6 ERV

Join me as I slip into journal reflection mode:

I can see God, intent upon blueprints on a drafting table, as He designs every detail of the Nativity. As He draws each piece in its time and place, did He chuckle in glad anticipation? Did He smile at the wonder His work would bring to His destitute, desperate children.

I must step back, seeking a wide angle lens to understand the enormity and intricacy of the Nativity more fully. Details seem endless. I shake my head in amazement, realizing that every time I engage with the coming of our Savior I allow myself to be immersed in awe of God’s masterful plan.

It was no fluke that Mary’s labor didn’t start until she and Joseph were in Bethlehem, not before or during the journey. How merciful God was to them to allow awkwardness, intensity, and frustration on the way to the stable to draw them closer as man and wife, like nothing else may have.

And to think how different the comings and goings of the shepherds, magi, and townspeople would have been if Christ had actually been born in an inn instead of a stable. The Lord knew exactly what was needed for the safe and intimate delivery of His only begotten Son.

I can just imagine the polar receptions at an inn for wealthy, prestigious magi compared to one for dirty, looked-down upon shepherds. What a powerful message the humility of the stable sends us across and space! A message from God, the Father All-Mighty, directly to each of us that in the presence of the Christ Child we are all equal, no matter what our SES (socio-economic status) may be in the eyes of the world.

Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose].

James 4:10 AMP

How often have we heard the saying, “It’s all in the details?” When I try to wrap my brain around even a few of the details of the Nativity, I am overwhelmed by evidence that God really is in each one. I catch a glimpse of the twinkle in God’s eyes, the incredible love of our Heavenly Father for His children. The sterile facts, shared by scribes and scholars, of the Nativity become brilliantly sparkling tokens of His love, joy, and abiding hope in bringing His Son and His children together.

Thanks for indulging me, Dear Reader, in a jumpstart into Advent. (I absolutely love Christmas!) To wrap up (sorry for the holiday pun) this very early start to the manger, here’s a little Advent treat for you.