Under the Floor of the World

“This sketch of the human story began in a cave; the cave which popular science associates with the cave-man and in which practical discovery has really found archaic drawings of animals. The second half of human history, which was like a new creation of the world, also begins in a cave. There is even a shadow of such a fancy in the fact that animals were again present; for it was a cave used as a stable by the mountaineers of the uplands about Bethlehem; who still drive their cattle into such holes and caverns at night. It was here that a homeless couple had crept underground with the cattle when the doors of the crowded caravanserai had been shut in their faces; and it was here beneath the very feet of the passers-by, in a cellar under the very floor of the world, that Jesus Christ was born. But in that second creation there was indeed something symbolical in the roots of the primeval rock or the horns of the prehistoric herd. God also was a Cave-Man, and had also traced strange shapes of creatures, curiously coloured, upon the wall of the world; but the pictures that he made had come to life.” ―G.K. Chesterton, The Everlasting Man

No Room in the Inn

“And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ² This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. ³ So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. ⁴ Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, ⁵ to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. ⁶ So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. ⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” ―Luke 2:1-7

Prayer

Our God and Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us. Thank You for speaking so clear and loud, and for revealing Yourself to us. You spoke to us in our weakness and now, the joy of the Lord is our strength, for we now rely upon You great power. Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the paths for Your Only-begotten Son: that we may worthily serve Him with grateful hearts by the grace of Your coming to enlighten our darkened minds. Assist us by Your might, so that by Your grace and merciful kindness we may swiftly receive the salvation that our sins impede. By the coming of Christ You have given peace. Amen.

Advent Action

Find a baby to hold, and as you hold that child reflect upon the fact that this is how God came into the world in order to save us. Consider the power of this amazing paradox that the infinite and eternal God was embodied in a single infant for our sake.