Luke 2:1-52 CHRIST’S BIRTH AND EARLY LIFE
“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.4 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:)5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.7 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.8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.9 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.10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.15 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.16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.33 And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of him.34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”
COMMENTS: I believe God was pleased when the pilgrims decided to yearly observe a day of Thanksgiving, and when the USA decided to observe the last Thursday in November as a national “Holy Day”. Well the wisdom of giving thanks before observing Christ’s birth has merit in preparing us for such a Holy time. Even though Christmas has become more a secular holiday than a “Holy Day”, but Christians the world over are called to both give thanks and to honor Christ’s birth. So, as we still enjoy the leftovers of Thanksgiving Day and anticipate the Advent season, let’s begin to prepare for Christ’s birth with hearts reflecting on all God’s mercies and blessings with grateful hearts.
Vs. 9-14: THE HEAVENLY CHOIR PREACHED A MESSAGE
God’s miracle began with Gabriel’s announcement to Mary but certainly did not end there. When Christ was born, the announcement was made by a multitude of angels not to the nation’s leaders or even religious leaders. Not to the influential or wealthy but to the least significant and least thought of and poorest in Israel. Shepherds near Bethlehem were responsible for caring for the best of the sheep that would be sacrificed in Jerusalem for the sins of the people. Yet these shepherds were not revered but treated as second class citizens. But it was these shepherds who God honored to receive the news that would transform the world. The news that the Messiah foretold for centuries was now born. The content of that message was equally as significant. A message of Wonderful News, Joyful News, Very Good News not just for Israel but for everyone in every country and every nationality and every class. The news that they need not fear because the Savior and Redeemer of all people has been born. Then they told the shepherds where to find Him. Every Old Testament prophecy God gave the prophets of old (all 351 of them) began to be fulfilled one by one.
Vs. 15-20: THE HUMBLE SHEPHERDS PREACHED A MESSAGE
As soon as the angels were finished and left, the shepherds couldn’t wait to follow the angel’s instruction and find the Messiah they announced. Even though He was only a newborn, God’s promise and pledge for a Redeemer and Savior was now in reach even if it wouldn’t be fulfilled for a few more years. What would He look like and be like? Their job was first to go see but then to go tell. But how could they keep such a message and sight to themselves? We are not told who they told this news to or how far they went to tell it. They still had the responsibility of keeping the sheep but they did have a message for all people. I can imagine they told it to and kept in touch with Mary and Joseph until they left Bethlehem but if they told no one else than to Mary and Joseph, the fact the story is told to us from scripture reveals they were faithful in telling their story. They didn’t need to travel the world themselves to be God’s witnesses. They only needed to tell story to those they encountered, who would tell the story to whom they encountered. They didn’t know Herod would try to kill the Holy Child but God the Father know and took care of this issue and many more to come.
The obstacles and Roman decrees that caused Mary and Joseph hardship and inconvenience served to fulfill more of the prophecies foretold. They also served to guide this precious family to where God ordained them to be even though they likely didn’t realize they were doing so. They may have known many or even most of the prophecies, but they had no need to try to fulfill any of them. God guided them step by step to do so. They likely would have chosen easier and more logical ways of fulfilling those prophecies if left to their own wiles. But they likely would have encountered problems and obstacles without a way of resolving them if they had tried. Yet fulfilled those prophecies were safely left in God’s loving Hands. The challenge of the taxation decree or the lack of housing were taken care of by God even if result wasn’t likely either Mary’s or Joseph’s first choice.
So how could God be packaged in a defenseless new born baby and that new born be in God’s protective Hands too. If I could answer that, than my God would be too small. So my response is “I don’t have a clue other than to say God is beyond our comprehension”. He is everywhere all the time and in every time and at the same time. Good luck in comprehending that!!
Why did God choose such a way and such a time and with such a couple to come and fulfill His prophecies? That is such a mystery but simply is true “ONLY GOD COULD THINK UP AND ACCOMPLISH SUCH A PLAN AND SUCH A WAY”.
But the truth was the Messiah and Savior, the Christ had to be:
A human being born as a human, grow and live as a human, and encounter all the temptations every human face, but remain innocent and sinless if He was to become the sacrifice for the world’s sin. Anyone less would be insufficient and inadequate to meet God’s requirement as our sin sacrifice.
Vs. 25-40: GOD FULFILLS A PROMISE TO TWO FAITHFUL BUT ELDERLY PROPHETS
Simeon was an elderly faithful prophet, who was at the temple in Jerusalem when Mary and Joseph bought the 8-day old Jesus to be circumcised by the priest. God had promised Simeon that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. When he saw the infant, he not only knew he was the Messiah but also knew God had fulfilled His promise to him. But an elderly prophetess, Anna also recognized the infant as the promised Messiah that day too. God once again confirmed to Mary and Joseph that Jesus was more than just a new born baby. They not only realized they had the responsibility of raising the Messiah, but they would have God’s protection over them too. Yet what went through Mary’s mind as she fed and, yes changed the diaper of, the Messiah? Well, we might want to ask her when we get to heaven, but probably that won’t be the question that will come to mind when we get to heaven. There will be greater things we will want to ask her when we get to heaven.
Vs. 40-50: THE BOY JESUS AMAZES THE PRIESTS AND HIS PARENTS WITH HIS WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE
The years between the encounter at the temple in Jerusalem as a newborn and the encounter at the temple at age 12 are not recorded in scripture. The details of those years are known to God and Mary and Joseph and many others who knew that family during those years and will be a joy to discover when we have opportunity to talk to them in heaven. You see, we won’t be bored in heaven. There will be so much to discover and learn and enjoy from our ancient relatives and ancient God followers. There will also be those wanting to hear our stories as we discover the impact our stories had and are having on others. Many of those years were spent in Egypt to avoid Herod’s decree to kill all children to age 2. You see, God told Joseph in a dream to flee to Egypt and then, when Herod had died, when to return.
Mary and Joseph had so much to absorb and ponder from the time they both received the Angel’s news until Jesus’ birth. They had 9 months to consider what their lives and what Jesus would be like. How could they raise the Messiah and how could they prepare. Then when obstacles faced them, they had to decide what to do. But truth is, God’s preparation come day by day by being in fellowship with Him. The wisdom and insight Mary showed my indeed come quickly and in spurts as God gave her insights. But God also would give Joseph insights and visions and direction too. Just as He does for us, God gave them just enough direction for each day. They were not able to absorb or grasp God’s plans for them. We can’t absorb God’s plans for us either, but are able to absorb what He calls us to each day.
But wait, you and I aren’t called or chosen to raise the Messiah. How can we compare ourselves to Mary or Joseph? Our lives are average and routine. Well, what we do know about Jesus growing up years leads us to think His years were pretty average and normal for His day until He started His ministry. There indeed may have been times like at the temple that amazed others, including Mary and Joseph. But I can’t help but believe Jesus was a whole lot easier to raise than you and I were or our children and grandchildren are. Right? That may make us envy them some but life for them may have been harder than we think. The dangers and risks satan put in their path all those years we can only image the “grey hair” resulting from those experiences.
But such reflections serve to encourage us and help us realize everyone is significant to God and He is asking us all to walk in faith one day at a time with Him too. He is also telling us that we each matter to Him and are precious to Him.
The countless examples of faithful servants we are given in scripture are intended to help and show every one of us how to follow Him and live the life we were intended to life with joy and fulfillment. Each example is also intended to show us we are not suppose to know the journey, just the final destination. All the twists and turns and detours life puts in our path are a surprise to us but not to God. He has it all planned out and has even taken that journey ahead of us so is completely prepared and ready to guide us through those twists and turns and detours safely if we hold on to Him.
God chose Mary as His earthly mother and Joseph as His adopted father because He knew their heart and character even before they were born and knew they would be faithful. They were humble but worthy. They were of common beginning but chosen by God Himself.
Those of us who had loving – faithful Christian parents can say we couldn’t have had better parents even if we could have chosen them. Truth is Christ chose His and is pleased with them. We can’t choose our parents but we can choose the kind of parent we will be or the kind or grandparent we will be. We can choose to follow the Christ who came and paid the ultimate price so we can be forgiven and have opportunity to take our life journey with our hand in His.
So how thankful are you today for the miracle God did and continues to do for you? Consider what He gave you for Christmas and continues to give you each Christmas (and all year long) before you consider what you are going to give Him for His birthday. There is only one gift worthy of Him. It is our love and our own lives.
AMEN!
donsdevotions 