Humble Beginnings

Text:  Luke 2:1-20 International Children’s Bible

Scripture Reading: 

The Birth of Jesus

2 At that time, Augustus Caesar sent an order to all people in the countries that were under Roman rule. The order said that they must list their names in a register. 2 This was the first registration taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And everyone went to their own towns to be registered.

4 So Joseph left Nazareth, a town in Galilee. He went to the town of Bethlehem in Judea. This town was known as the town of David. Joseph went there because he was from the family of David. 5 Joseph registered with Mary because she was engaged to marry him. (Mary was now pregnant.) 6 While Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have the baby. 7 She gave birth to her first son. There were no rooms left in the inn. So she wrapped the baby with cloths and laid him in a box where animals are fed.

Reflection: 

In Bethlehem the murals and depictions of Jesus’ birth show it occurring in a cave where animals are being sheltered out of the elements. No matter how you picture the shelter over Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, it wasn’t fit for a king like many people thought it would be. It’s a great reminder that humble beginnings do not limit the great things that can be accomplished.

Prayer: 

Dear God,

Thank you for Jesus!

Amen.

Focus for the Day: Humble Beginnings

Author: Rachel Dudley, Director of Children’s Ministry