To hear the Christmas reflection (16 mins) on Luke 2:14, click the arrow.
Luke 2:1-7 (4-7)
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
- Census
- Swaddling clothes?
- Upper room (website article)
- "No room"—visiting relations?!
- Manger
- Possibly the 25th?
- Cave tradition
Luke 2:8-14
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and 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 among those with whom he is pleased!”
- One angel, then a multitude
- Host = armies!
- Fearful – just one angel frightened the shepherds!
- Dangerous!
- Lowly shepherds
- Proclamation
- In the birth of Christ God is doing something truly significant and awesome.
- Contrast and deep irony!
Impact on earth: amazing—yet not immediate, but over 30 years off. - "Peace" — see Matt 10:34; Luke 2:34-35; Isaiah 9
- Obedience: Not "Peace, good will toward men," but "Peace among those with whom he is pleased."
Challenge
- Let's read—and re-read—the Scriptures, contemplating the birth of the Savior.
- It's fine to commemorate His birth on 25th. (The ancient evidence is 50/50 as to a December birthday.)
- Let's keep Christ in Christmas as we prepare for the new year.
- Share our lives with those for whom Christmas may be lonely, difficult, cold, discouraging.
