In 1965/66, I was living in a work camp near the city of Muscat in Oman. Muscat was a very compact city at that time. There were many shops and residences, a bank, an agent to import and export goods, and a small hospital called the "American Mission Hospital". There was a small chapel within the hospital complex. Word got to us that there was to be a Christmas Eve service, and about twenty of us went.

We had to drive some twenty miles to the city, which at that time still looked very much as I imagine biblical cities looked like at the time of Christ. There was a big wall on the land side of the city; the other side faced the Gulf of Oman. To enter the city, we had to go through a big door in the wall where the old men still gathered to have discussions. This door was open from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., but there was a Judas gate, a small door through which a person could enter or depart on foot. When we got to the city, we parked our vehicles and walked through the small door into the city, down the narrow streets, past the closed shops and the residences, until we came to the hospital and the chapel. Other than those of us from the camp, there were not too many people in attendance, just some hospital staff and a few local people.

Historical writings tell us that Bethlehem was also a small walled city. Joseph and Mary, as well as many others, were forced to go to the home of their ancestors for the census ordered by Caesar Augustus. I would imagine that they also had to go through the main gate, walk down the narrow streets, past shops and places where people lived, looking for a place to spend the night. They were tired from the long trip from Nazareth and they were desperate to find a place, because Mary was due to give birth.

Luke 2:6-7 – So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 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. (NKJV)

As we drove back to camp after the service, we discussed the service and how nice it was to go to worship, to again hear about the birth of Christ, and to sing the beautiful carols of the Christmas season. How good it was to be away from the camp for a couple of hours! Even though some of us were lonely, far away from home, it was still a very happy event.

Joseph and Mary were also far from home, alone and lonely in a strange place. Yet, there in that place, they experienced the most happy event. That night, Jesus was born, and the words of the angel were fulfilled:

Luke 1:31 – And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. (NKJV)

Let's ensure that we participate in the joy of gathering together to worship our Lord this Christmas Eve!

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, we pray that many people will attend the Christmas services and that they will be moved by the experience and that it will bring peace in their hearts. We ask it in Jesus' name. Amen.

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About the author:

Joel Jongkind <austria67@bmts.com>
Meaford, Ontario, Canada
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