Luke 2:6-7 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.

In this extremely familiar story, the thing that struck me just now is how normal everything was. This was a watershed moment in the history of the universe, but Mary and Joseph were doing what the government required of them, and Mary’s pregnancy proceeded on schedule. As an interesting note, a normal pregnancy is around 280 days, which is 10 lunar months, and that’s how the Japanese refer to it. The Japanese here says, “The months were fulfilled.” In some ways that seems more logical that the Western 9 months. Regardless, this was the most exceptional family in history, but they went through things one day at a time. Mary riding several days on a donkey probably guaranteed that Jesus wouldn’t be late arriving! We think of the birth happening soon after they arrived, but the text doesn’t specify that. It’s possible they camped outside a night or two, but when Mary went into labor, they wanted a roof over their heads. In any case, they didn’t have an Air BnB reservation! When Jesus came from heaven to be born as a human baby, absolutely no exceptions were made for His special status. He went through it all, just like we do. That leaves us no room to complain! I’m reminded of places like “dude ranches,” where tourists go to “experience the authentic West.” They aren’t getting an authentic experience, they are getting a whitewashed, cushioned version. Jesus’ time on earth wasn’t like that at all. Jesus lived our life for us and with us, and we need to remember that.

I feel like my life has been exceptional in numbers of ways. We were a missionary family, but we lived in an American style house and rode in an American car, in post-war Japan. That was very exceptional right there! I have been through various tight spots, but never through extreme poverty or tragedy. I very literally have nothing to complain about, but I have managed to complain about countless things over the years! I need to remember what Paul wrote to the Philippians, in Philippians 2:6-8, and let it percolate through my mind and heart. Jesus came, for me, and what have I done in response? Every moment of my life needs to be lived in obedient dedication to Him. Anything less is unworthy of who He is.

Father, thank You for this reminder. This is my 78^th Christmas, though I certainly don’t remember the first ones. Keep me from just getting it over with. Help me rather be consumed with gratitude for all that You have done for me, so that I will be totally available for whatever You want to do through me, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!