Luke2:4
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Labour pains brought forth Jesus' first arrival on this planet! It wasn't a very convenient time - no hygienic maternity ward for the Son of God - not even a room. There was, in fact, no fit place for Him at the busy Bethlehem town.
People were so stressed to get there to register in line with the diktat of the cruel Roman government - too busy to notice the extraordinary arrival of the Son of God.
In Matthew 24 Jesus prophecied of the "labour" pains which will herald His Second Coming.
Yet still there is no room for Him in many hearts.
Like those busy Bethlehem residents, they don't recognise Him - all eyes on Santa instead!
Are we too busy with adhering to the diktats of heartless politicians, supporting the failing nhs - unable to stop and see the Words of Jesus coming to pass?
Perhaps we're blessed enough to be poor and marginalised [as were the shepherds on the first arrival of the Saviour]. You may be looked down on, thought of no account, but, like the angels announced the good news of His first birth, we are awake to His Words and listening for the blessed trumpet blast.
Wars, conflicts, natural disasters coming thick and fast, unstoppable plagues - these are the labour pains that Jesus spoke of - all the forerunners of His soon return to set things right.
Let's fit out the rooms of our hearts, sparkling clean ready to welcome Him.
Let it not just be a guest room, but the place of honour at the centre of our life... that's the very least we can do for our Precious Redeemer.
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