Somebody poured coffee into his cup and he muttered a thanks without looking up.”
–Louis L’Amour (Conagher)
That’s the way it is, Pard, with life, with coffee, with Christmas, that is — we might mutter a thanks, but we really don’t look up from what we’re a-doin’, especially since most have a phone in their hands. But Pard, we should really take time to say thanks–thanks to the good Lord for His blessin’s; thanks to Him for the gift of His Son on that night so many years ago. Yuh know He could have let man go on to his destruction, but instead he provided a Savior.
Joseph, and especially Mary, were weary from their travels. The day had been long, the animal was tired, and now they couldn’t find a place to stay. Go ‘head, Pard, yuh can be drinkin’ whilst I’m talkin’. The was finally a place found, not really conducive, but it got them out of the elements. Joseph got Mary all situated, as comfortable as she could be in her situation, then proceeded to take care of the donkey, put some hay in the manger, where in a little while he’d be layin’ the heavenly child.
I don’t know if Mary was ponderin’ these things in her heart right then, or whether she was just wantin’ the baby to be born. Sometime during that night, she delivered. The baby was born and was named Jesus! There doesn’t seem to be any hoopla in the stable, maybe it was a silent night, ‘ceptin’ of course the cryin’ of the baby. ‘Course He could’ve been unusual, as He was, an’ “no cryin’ He makes.”
Ahhh, that is good coffee this mornin’, ha did yuh thank yur ol’ fence post, the coffee-maker? Nah, but don’t be frettin’, I know that down in yur cold heart that yur thankful for those few swallers. Ha, good to be sharin’ with yuh. Now, back to the baby Jesus. It may have been quiet in the stable, except for the sound of the animal eatin’, but somewhere, not far away the shepherds heard a commotion, “Glory to God in the Highest!” Pard, that must have been somethin’! When they heard the news they took traipsin’ off to find the baby an’ when they arrived He was lyin’ in a manger. The faithful donkey had eaten his fill, Joseph probably cleaned up around it and replenished the hay and the shepherds found Him lyin’ there. Now, for sure, Mary begins to ponder.
Little was known about what would happen to the Babe. He was Immanuel, He was to be the Savior of the world, but unless one really understood the words of the Old Testament they didn’t know all that awaited the Child. There must have been thousands of angels around that stable in the spirit realm. Here was the Lord God incarnate, helpless as a baby with Joseph to protect Him. Pard, I’m just wonderin’ if ol’ slewfoot was around to take a peek. It would have been a sight for him as well.
Pard, the coffee’s gone, that means yuh got to be along yur way. It would do us all good to ponder the birth of Jesus in our hearts and minds. Don’t be so distracted by yur marbles rollin’ in yur noggin’ that yuh forget to check yur cinch. Yuh do that an’ yuh might be doin’ yur ponderin’ from the hospital bed. Hmm, we sure need to be ponderin’ the Lord before we get ourselves in that situation. Be havin’ a Merry Christmas!
Vaya con Dios.