HE ENTERED MY WORLD
Then she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and she wrapped Him tightly in cloth and laid Him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Luke 2:7 (CSB)
I grew up in a town that hosted a yearly festival called Goat Days. Yes, you read that right. We had goat chariot races, a goat beauty contest, a goat barbecue competition, and—no joke—a pill-tossing contest (feel free to look that one up!). It was lively, weird and unforgettable. And oddly enough, every time I read the Christmas story, I think of Goat Days.
Why? Because Jesus didn’t arrive in a polished palace. That’s right, the King of all kings entered this world in an actual feeding trough for animals. He came into a world that was noisy, humble and full of livestock. The Savior of the world took His first breath in a place that probably smelled like hay and manure. That detail matters. It tells us that Jesus isn't afraid of our mess.
We often imagine God as far away or only showing up when we have it together. But the manger proves otherwise. Jesus showed up in the middle of it all: the smells, the sounds, the chaos. That’s who He is. He doesn’t wait for perfect conditions to come close. He’s not waiting for you to clean things up or have it all together. He steps into our real, gritty lives.
I don’t know if I would have invited Jesus to Goat Days, but Jesus would have shown up. The birth of Jesus reminds us that God chooses those who might feel overlooked or a little undone. He enters our world not to judge it from a distance but to redeem it from the inside.
So, wherever you find yourself this Christmas, busy, burdened or maybe surrounded by your own version of goats, remember: Jesus entered that kind of world on purpose to meet those He loves.
APPLICATION: Think of a part of your life that feels too messy or unspiritual for God. Today, imagine Jesus choosing to step right into that space. He’s not waiting for you to tidy it up. He’s already there.
PRAYER: Jesus, thank You that You’re not only willing, but sometimes interrupt our messy lives to get involved. Help me desire Your involvement more quickly, rather than waiting to get it together. I love You. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?