On this Christmas Eve, it is always important and appropriate to return
to the beginning of the New Covenant that holds each of us. The birth of the
“second Adam” is the statement of Agape Love and a demonstration of God’s
absolute determination to give His creation a way to reconnect with Him.
God yearns to be in covenant relationship with each of us. This
desire is also wired into all of us – it is called worship. We are destined to
worship, and we are given a way to worship God thru His Son, Jesus. The bond
that Adam and Eve broke was restored in a manger.
The Birth of Jesus - Luke 2:8-15 (Amplified)
8 And in
that vicinity there were shepherds living [out under the open sky] in the
field, watching [in shifts] over their flock by night.
9 And behold,
an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord flashed and shone
all about them, and they were terribly frightened.
10 But the
angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a
great joy which will come to all the people.
11 For to
you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah)
the Lord!
12 And
this will be a sign for you [by which you will recognize Him]: you will find
[after searching] a Baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.
13 Then
suddenly there appeared with the angel an army of the troops of heaven (a
heavenly knighthood), praising God and saying,
14 Glory
to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is
well pleased [men of goodwill, of His favor].
15 When
the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another,
Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing (saying) that has come to pass,
which the Lord has made known to us.
In the passage, the shepherds are the first to hear the news. God
shows common men the very glory of Heaven as the Heavenly Hosts shout the
praises for the arrival of the Messiah. This is a part of a consistent pattern
in the Bible – God requires a humble heart to communicate with man.
The angel first reassured the shepherds that this was a time of
celebration and praise, not fear (v9-10). The glory of God can be frightening,
so the humble servant must first be reassured and informed. We too, must be
especially humble and reverent at this time of year. We are the new shepherds
for the world.
The next thing was the revelation of the news (v11-12) that His
creation would receive a chance for salvation. This is the news that
all of Israel had been waiting for. It is also the news that only a
handful of people were actually able to understand. A repressed and
occupied Israel was looking for a Messiah bearing his sword and rising up to
lead the armies of Israel to defeat their oppressors. A Loving and Wise God saw
that ALL of his creation needed a way forward. As usual, God sees the BIG
picture while we see only our own concerns.
Then the message is seared into the hearts of all who are present.
God allows the Heavenly Hosts (v13-14) to be seen here on earth. The Glory of
Heaven declares His Good News for all to hear! A glorious and
overwhelming experience that is, to say the least, a life changing event!
Take advantage of this season to double down on your Humility and
receive an extra portion of Grace for your journey. The birth of
Jesus is the great news that you and I have a choice and a way forward. The
birth of the Messiah means more than any man with a sword could EVER achieve.
Take up your Bible and choose to read and to learn. Choose to
understand, not just to remember. Choose to show Love, not to condemn those who
do not know Him. Choose to say Merry Christmas, since it IS the holiday of
Christ’s birth. Choose to show others the Love that He shows you.
Blessings,
Bryan
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