FROM THE HEART OF GOD'S WORD...
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2: THE OPEN-DOOR POLICY
Together, let's imagine the first Christmas...
It's a cold winter's night. A few miles outside Bethlehem, some shepherds tended to the sheep, a hard but mundane job that no one else really wanted. Suddenly, before them, stood an angel of the Lord, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. The shepherds were greatly afraid. With joy, the angel announces that today, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, is born in the City of David. You will find him wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. To the shepherd's surprise, a host of angels appear singing, "Glory to God in the highest!" Then they departed, and the shepherd said, "Let's go see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." (Luke 2:8-15 paraphrased)
Meanwhile, in the little town of Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph snuggled their newborn baby. Their humble abode is a rickety stable filled with donkeys, sheep, mules, hay, no heat, and a loathsome stench lingering in the air. This location was not their first choice. In fact, they rarely ventured on this side of Bethlehem. Nevertheless, they knew God had provided the exact location for His Child, the long-awaited Messiah, to arrive.
In the stillness of the night, they hear a quiet but steady knock at the door. A bit shocked, Joseph and Mary wonder who it could be. At that moment, Mary could have turned to Joseph and said, "Shush. Be quiet. Let's act like we are not here. Look at this place. It's a mess! I haven't had time to clean it up. Plus, what will they think of us? This stable is not a home for a newborn. Joseph, I'm so emotional right now. I can't handle visiting with anyone. I'm too tired!"
But oh no, we see just the opposite from the heart of Mary. With open arms, they welcomed the shepherds into their home and marveled at all these men had to share. After leaving, the shepherds made widely known what the angels had told them concerning the Child. All who heard it marveled at what the shepherds told them.
"But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19
Just think what Mary would have missed if she had followed her feelings and not let the shepherds into their home.
As a couple, Joseph and Mary had a very special "Open Door Policy" that passed to the next generation. Jesus was continuously prepared at any moment to engage in relationships with others. His "Open Door Policy" was a continuous revolving door to all, even at the most inconvenient times... the bleeding woman, the paralyzed man, Lazarus' sisters, the blind man, those tormented with unclean spirits, and the list goes on and on. Jesus lived out His “Open-Door Mission” as He proclaimed to the world, "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture." (John 10:9). Praise the Lord for His example to all of us!
CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE: Why does Christmas bring families together? What makes this time of year a drawing factor for relatives and friends? Ask God to instill an "Open Door Policy" in your heart that impacts future generations. Be ready for all who pass through the threshold of your home to welcome them with open arms and love. Be prepared to be the hands and feet of Jesus. For some, the open door might not be physical but more spiritual. Ask the Holy Spirit who to pray for and how to pray for them. Listen to His voice. Pray as He leads. God has placed you right where you are for a reason. Like Mary, open the door to all that God has waiting for you.
From My Heart to Yours,
Carla McDougal