Advent shows God's loving provision

       Yesterday I wrote about how God’s providence was evident in bringing Mary and Joseph at His appointed time to Bethlehem.  As the Christmas story unfolds in Bethlehem, the young couple arrives and there is no room for them at the local inn.  Luke 2:7 “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in  the inn.”   When you visit Bethlehem today, the place recognized as the stable where Mary and Joseph were housed is a cave.  It was very roomy and would have been cool in summer and warm in winter.  They wrapped the baby Jesus in swaddling cloths.  I was not familiar with this practice as it was not popular when my children were small, but my grandson was swaddled.  It wraps the baby close so they are warm and protected.  Then Jesus was laid in a manger.  This animal trough would have made the perfect cradle to hold the young savior.  Looking at these things, no room, a cave, manger, and swaddling cloths, show God is into provision and care.  “And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink nor be worried.  For all the nations of the world seek after these thinks, and your Father knows that you need them.”  Luke 12:29-30   God knew exactly what Mary and Joseph needed- a warm, safe place that was accessible to shepherds, contained the basic furniture for a new born and was private for the birth of their son.

      How are you at trusting God in difficult situations?  Do you thank Him for what He has provided and know that He gives you exactly what you need?  Scripture tells us in 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you.”  and  Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”   God knows our needs just as He did Mary and Joseph.  Will you trust Him today to provide what you need?  Then thank Him for His loving care.

Trusting in God’s provision,

Linda

This is a the picture of the inside of the cave and my fellow travelers as we sang Silent Night in honor of our savior’s birth.