The nativity story is set in Luke, chapter 2. We will go through these verses so you can get the feel of this most important day of all the earth. It begins, “and it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:1-7) So as Mary and Joseph entered Bethlehem, Mary was due to have her baby. However, no place in any inn was available. Therefore, their only option was to join the animals in their stable and use their feeding trough for a manger for their baby, who is the Son of God. What humble circumstances for our Lord God and king. Though a King, Jesus’s humility is beyond anything we have ever and will see in our short lifetime on this earth.
The story continues and reads, “and there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:8-14) Wow! Can you imagine being a shepherd in that time, and while watching your flocks by night see an angel of God come unto you? This is truly spectacular and should be, of course. For this angel of the Most High God brought tidings of great joy unto them and soon all people. The Savior, who is Christ the Lord, was born in a manger. Even now is the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in the manger. It was then that angels without number came and sang “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men”. And this we sing to Jesus, our God and Savior. Amen. Praise Him!
Lastly, I will end with, “and it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.” (Luke 2:15-20) And so we have the shepherds agreeing that this event was bigger than they could even imagine. Therefore, they ran as fast as they could to Bethlehem, even where Mary, Joseph, and Jesus was laying. They must have been in awe as they looked for the first time at Jesus, who is their Messiah and even God in the flesh. Wow! Mary was in awestruck, while she thought upon the events that were happening. Now, the Shepherds couldn’t help but tell everyone about this event. They were filled with joy and unspeaking love and thanksgiving towards God. As we should also towards Jesus, our Savior.
Let us pray:
Lord Jesus, we come before You this day in anthems of praise. Our hearts are filled with unspeakable joy, for You are with us now. Thank You, Lord, for coming into this world, even in all Your humility and grace. We cannot find anyone as humble as You are God. You are the greatest example of how we ought to live our lives. And we give You thanks and honor for giving us a way to live differently among all the chaos in this world. There is so much darkness, but Your light is able to come and scatter the darkness. Wow! You are so good to us. There is no way that Satan can take a hold of our lives again because You are our shepherd now. Even when You call us do we answer. For we can hear Your voice among all the evil chatter in this world, and will always coming running to You. You are greater than anything else we need in this life. Only You can satisfy our souls, both spiritually and physically. For all good things come from Your hand and we give You glory and praise for those things in our lives. And if we have much, we have much to give also. You are the one that makes us generous and kind people. All the selfishness goes out the window when Your love takes hold of our lives. I honor You this day and forever. I am so looking for Your return. May I be among Your elect when that day comes. I am forever Yours, my Lord, my God, and my King. I worship You. I love You. Amen.
