December 2001
The Night My Life Changed
By Germaine Copeland
The night was cold when the innkeeper’s wife awakened me. She gave me a stack of blankets, and told me to take them to the young couple sleeping in the barn. With sleep-filled eyes I threw on my cloak, stumbled out the back door, and hurried across the backyard. I pushed hard against the great doors, and looking inside I saw the couple my master had almost turned away because there was no room in the hostel. He told them they could sleep in the barn since it was obvious the woman was heavy with child. Just as I was about to ask if they needed anything, I heard the sounds of a newborn baby.
Unsure about what to do, I was glad when Joseph beckoned me to come near. They were quietly praising God for the baby, and Mary said, “His name is Jesus.” She looked at me with loving eyes and asked me for warm water, and together we bathed the newborn baby boy. With her assistance I wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, held him for a few moments, and with a kiss I gently laid him in the manger. There was something different about this baby. I felt washed inside and out, I felt brand new, and I knew that I would never be the same.
A holy hush surrounded the place, and I decided to sleep in the stable in case they needed me for anything else. Without warning we were awakened, and saw several shepherds from the area. They all began talking at once about something strange and wonderful that happened in the fields where they were keeping their flocks by night.
Mary listened, as we all did, with rapt attention to the amazing things they were telling. It seemed that we were actually in the field with them. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed all around. They were terrified until the angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everyone. A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” They were thrilled that it was just as they had been told.
We envisioned the angelic choir singing God’s praises. The shepherds said that they rejoiced as the angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
My, it was a strange night. Joseph, Mary and I were awestruck as the stable became crowded; and others who looked like wealthy traders from the East appeared saying they had followed a star to this very stable. They gave beautiful gifts to this special baby – the Son of God.
Darkness was pushed back as a brilliant light shone all around. Everyone reverently knelt to worship this baby that I held so close to my heart. Through tears of joy I thanked God for choosing me to hold the Messiah.
The baby grew in stature and in wisdom. Jesus became a man who went about doing good, healing all those oppressed by the devil, and I became one of His disciples. He was the Word made flesh – He dwelt among us. I heard Him preach Good News to the multitudes that followed Him – He even fed them with a lad’s lunch. He healed the sick, opened blind eyes, and I saw a crippled man walk. Winds and storms obeyed His command, and He raised the dead.
He called twelve apostles to work with Him in His ministry. Jesus honored women and restored them to a place of dignity. Mary Magdalena joined His Company after He cast seven demons out of her. One day when I was with Him I saw religious leaders surrounding a woman who was caught in adultery, and they were planning to stone her to death. Jesus saved her from the mob, and forgave her sins. He actually talked to a Samaritan woman, and forgave her. He did many miracles. He is my Lord. His name is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. He is the great I Am.
Have you met my Lord and Savior? He came to take away the sins of the world. He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him and by His stripes we are healed. Ask Him to come into your heart and forgive your sins. If you ask Him to be your Lord, He will save you, He will heal you, and He will be a present help in time of trouble. Jesus is the way to the Father.
December 25th is the day we have designated to celebrate the birth of Jesus. On this day and every day we will rejoice and generate joy unspeakable and full of glory. We rejoice because He is our exceeding great joy. We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Romans 5:3-4) We rejoice because Jesus came to earth, died and rose again. The Lord reigns. Blessed be the name of the Lord!
NOTE: The narrative of the servant girl was inspired by a Christmas drama, Three Women, written and performed by Lisa Ison of Lisa Ison Ministries, Cumming, Georgia. Please read Luke 2 for the Scriptural account of the birth of Jesus.
Germaine Copeland is the author of the best selling book series, Prayers That Avail Much. She has written scriptural prayers for the family. Read your Bible, pray and attend church where you can soak up the love and faith of God. You will receive emotional healing, experience spiritual growth and become more intimately acquainted with your Heavenly Father, and your relationships will grow stronger.