There is another forgotten ONE from Bethlehem- One who has not allowed in, who was kept out with the sheep and the animals. -Ann Voskamp
Luke 2:7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn.
I was mesmerized as I read this passage this morning, I stopped and couldn't do something. I just remained quiet.
It was late in the evening and I was walking alone in the street with my heavy backpack at my shoulders. I remember I was complaining to the Lord because someone also told me to buy something for our event. I was so tired and frustrated. I turned off my phone, the stores were already closed. The rain started to pour out, it wasn't heavy rain. And I didn't mind it at all so I just continued walking with my tears falling bits by bits because of tiredness and sadness. No one showed up for me again. - I uttered.
Then I saw a man smiling. I won't forget that smile, I always see him in the street begging for food. A man without feet and mentally sick. He only uses his hands to walk. Yet, during that night, his smile shone and resonated with me. He moved in slow motion as he turned his eyes toward me. I smiled back at him.
I knew He wanted me to learn.
Look at this man my child, you see him every day walking and begging. Have you ever thought of what he feels? He is all alone. No home, no family, no strength, and nobody, but chooses to smile. No one wants to be in that situation. Who's forgotten?
I won't forget that moment. I was in the jeepney and my tears burst out not because of loneliness and tiredness anymore but because He kept on reminding me of who He is.
But there's another man, who is forgotten. He was born in the manger because there was no place for him. He was also rejected in other places and the manger was the only place for him- under the night sky, surrounded by ordinary people- the shepherds in the field and the animals, yet the most glorious day as the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God in his birth.
From his birth, his death on the cross, and his resurrection, He gives us hope. Thus, I understand now when he said, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:33
Jesus already overcame the world and I realized I needed to look up to Jesus, his life. From his birth, his ministry, his death, and his resurrection- He's reminding us to hope while we're here.
Whenever I feel alone, I remember Jesus in the wilderness with Satan trying to tempt him. Whenever I feel rejected, I remember Jesus, he was betrayed, his closest friend denied him and his disciples deserted him. He was mocked and crucified on the cross. He cried out at the Father asking why He was forsaken. This Christmas, I'm reminded of Him in the manger, sobbing like a typical infant while being swaddled in clothes. Giving us hope, reassuring us that He also comes in small, not to impress but rather to serve, as a constant reminder of His incredible love for us offers us peace, joy, and hope.
I know there's more in Him, there's a deeper meaning according to the scholars that I won't comprehend. But these are more than enough reasons to continue living by faith knowing He's love for me. And I have hope in Him, Jesus is the only hope in this world. God's great love for us is incomprehensible and beyond measure. Hope has a name and His name is Jesus.
Oh Lord God, help me to look unto Jesus not only during this season but in everyday life.
