And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn Son. (Luke 2:6-7a)

Imagine the panic Mary and Joseph must have felt when her pains started. "Joseph?" she would have said. "I'm not feeling so good." They had no place to stay yet, no proper place anyway—no guest room or place at an inn. But by that point Mary was past caring. She needed a safe, private place to lie down—somewhere warm—and a midwife, if one could be found. She was in labor. Her time had come.

This is the same kind of language Jesus Himself uses, years later—for Himself. "My time has not yet come," He says at different times in His ministry—until the night before His death, when He says to God the Father, "Father, the hour has come" (John 17:1b). Jesus is referring to His own suffering, the pain that climaxed at the cross. And yet, like Mary, Jesus knew that there was a purpose to His labor; through His death and resurrection, He would give life to everyone who trusts in Him.

We celebrate Mary's labor because she brought forth her firstborn Son, our Savior, Jesus, the Son of God. Even more gladly we celebrate Jesus' suffering for us—because He has given us life that lasts forever.

WE PRAY: Dear Savior, thank You for giving us life. Amen.

Reflection Question:

* Have you ever gone through labor—or sat with someone in labor?

* If so, how did you feel about the experience?

* How does it compare to Jesus' experience saving us?

Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

Today's Bible Readings: Ezra 8-10    Revelation 15

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