07 December 2023
Out in the fields. A group of shepherds stood guard over their flock that night. Such flocks were always needed for the sacrifices of the Temple at Jerusalem. A mere six miles away. Informed of the birth by an angel. The shepherds went to Bethlehem. They found the babe. Wrapped in swaddling clothes. Lying in a manger. And they repeated the message they had received. For some. The shepherds’ words were a passing wonder, “but Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19).
By faith we journey with them to Bethlehem. For this good news of Jesus’ birth was given by the angel to shepherds who went to see the new- born king.
With the shepherds we visit the new-born king. The shepherds were keeping watch. To guard the flock against thieves and robbers. Into the night of the world Jesus came as the true Light. A symbol of this truth was the heavenly light.
A question. Why is it that so few experience the true joy of Christmas?
The answer. Is that they have not heard the good news. Told by the angel to these shepherds. It is told to you this day.
The source of our joy is found in these words: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11
Who is born? “To you is born this day a Savior.” This is good news. For those in need of a Savior. And when is He born? “This day!” Christmas is an everyday experience. Not a historical observance. Of an ancient event. Today is the day of salvation. This is the day the Lord has made. Now He is making all things new.
Transition: “To you is born a Savior.” We now tell His story with joy.
Like the shepherds we share His story with others. The shepherds were afraid. In the face of the divine glory. And holiness. But they had no need to fear. Because the angel’s message was not of judgment. But of salvation. Not only to the shepherds. But to all people.
To whom is He born? He is born “to you.” “To you is born this day a Savior.” It is not Christmas for you unless Christ is re-born in you. Thus we can say with the hymn writer: “Cans out our sin and enter in, be born in us today.”
The Christmas story is for real. It was to real live humans that the story of the Christ child was delivered. The first announcement of this birth came to a despised people. It came not to the rulers. The educated. The scribes. Or the pious Pharisees. This news came not to the elite. But to shepherds. – The despised. Unlearned. Crude. Rough people. Those listed with publicans and sinners. For He is a real Savior. Who has come to save real sinners. In His birth. Suffering. Passion. Death and resurrection. There is forgiveness, salvation, and life.
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