We do not know how long Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus, but it was during their stay that God the Son was revealed in a human body, born as a baby. They may well have stayed in the city for a longer time after the birth. Matthew 2:11 says they were in a house, and Herod's discussion with the Magi led him to kill all the boys in Bethlehem who were two years old or younger. So they could have been living there for a year or so before their evacuation as refugees to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15).

However, Jesus' first days were in the humble cradle, which Mary would have remembered only too well. It did no justice to the majesty of the King of kings: but it was prophetic of the way in which His ministry would close, rejected as the lowest of the low – crucified on a cross. Few people who celebrate Christmas ever ask themselves the obvious question, "Why should God come, live and die in such a degrading way?" The Bible's answer is that it was for us!

Hebrews 2:14-15 says, "Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death - that is, the devil - and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death." Galatians 1:3-4 says, "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." So although His birth was not glorious for Him, and it sparked violence from a jealous king, it brought glory to God and would bring peace to believers on earth, just as the angels said (Luke 2:14).

Worldly thinking puts the chief executive in the biggest house and the best office. But although God is supreme, He has no pride in status. Although He is our creator, He was willing to endure the worst His creation could serve up to Him. So nobody can say that God does not care or understand or feel what it is like for us. Hebrews 4:15 says, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin." That is the real Jesus who loves you and gave Himself for you. Thank Him, praise Him, worship Him; and trust Him with all of your heart – because He really does care for you, your family, friends and colleagues. Obey the instruction of Hebrews 4:16 – "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need".