“God likes to choose the smallest and most inconsequential places to birth miracles.”

This is the one of four quotes that impacted me in a sermon Pastor Robert Morris preached on December 18th.

We’ve all seen various movies of the birth of Jesus and the circumstances under which the King of Kings was born.

Mary, a virgin, is found pregnant – a huge no-no in those days!

Joseph feels betrayed and is ashamed – so he decides to call off the wedding.

Mary’s baby Jesus was born in a stable and was set to rest not in a crib, but in a “a feeding trough” (an open box in which feed for livestock is placed)! A nice word for it, “a manger.”

Mary’s baby Jesus was wrapped in strips of cloth. It was customary for women who were to give birth to carry these strips of cloth, which could also serve for burial in case she died during child birth (very significant since the purpose of Jesus was to “die” for the sins of His people and the world).

A nice term for these strips of cloth, “swaddling cloth.”

So no, it was not a nice, soft, cuddly blanket that we would find at our favorite Walmart or Baby Depot today!

The birth of this baby was troublesome from the moment of inception. “Troublesome” to us. But in God’s eyes, a miracle.

There are many times in our lives when we need (more than) a miracle! And to our surprise, the miracle has come from the most insignificant place or circumstance.

It is said that the reason why Bethlehem is significant is because it’s the location of the phenomenal birth of Jesus.

Your miracle is probably wrapped up in the most insignificant place or circumstance.

If you look hard enough, you may find it staring straight into your eyes!

“God likes to take the smallest to show himself the greatest.”

To the world and others, you may be a “nobody”. But God loves to use “nobodies” to make some great “somebodies”!

“God doesn’t birth miracles out of perfect places. He births miracles out of problem places.”

This ought to change our perspective of life’s problems we face.

Life is never “perfect” and I don’t think it will ever be.

The only perfection we can find is in enjoying a life of peace, joy and love in our hearts and in our homes.

What could be better than for you to enjoy your children’s embrace and the warm touch of your supportive spouse on a daily basis?

Nothing beats this!

So many people live in fear, stress and in hopelessness.

If you’ve got problems going on right now, take heart. Your miracle will be birthed out of your circumstances.

“Joseph and Mary did not get to  choose the tuns or timing of their miracle. Neither do we.”

Wow!

God’s timing is always perfect!

Isn’t it funny how we realize this after the fact?

Watch the full sermon Oh Little Town of Bethlehem online.