Perspectives

Luke 2:7-17… 7) and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 8) And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9) An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10) But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11) Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12) This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. “13) Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying. 14)”Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. 15) “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about. 16) “So, they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. (NIV)

A Christmas story that the Holy Spirit must help us to accept by faith that Jesus was indeed the Holy Son of God. Luke chapter 2 tells us that Mary, the soon to be the mother of Jesus, gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped Him in a blanket and laid Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.

That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel appeared among them, now the whole countryside shone brightly with the glory of the Lord. They were filled with fear of not knowing what was happening. The angel reassures them. “Do not be afraid he said.” I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and that is for everyone!” That means you and it means me.

“The Saviour, yes the Messiah, the Lord of Glory has been born tonight in Bethlehem!” The shepherd’s hearts exploding with excitement and anticipation; work up enough nerve and ask the angel, “How will we recognize this Child, this Messiah?” Oh, the angel knows their thoughts and remembers that they are human with limited understanding. “Here is your clue, you will find this Baby wrapped in a blanket lying in a manger!” Now the heavens came alive, as though heaven itself had burst on the earth. This angel that was talking to them was joined by a vast host of other angels, in fact, the armies of heaven were there praising God.

Verse sixteen: This verse will end this month’s lesson, or, perhaps it might just be the very beginning. Those shepherds did not have four wheelers; they probably did not even have donkeys. I kind of think they had only their feet to carry them because the Bible shows that they ran to the village and found their way to where Mary and Joseph had made the bed for the Baby Jesus. And to their amazement, they found the Baby Jesus, lying in the manger, just as the angel had told them.

Want the best Christmas gift ever? I can only share what I have received. This little Child, this gift from God, came that all of us could have our sins forgiven. The proof that we are Christians comes from the instinctive cry of our heart. When we are distressed, worried and desperate, our spirit cries out to God. The moment our hearts cry for God’s help reaches the heart of God; He will give us the assurance that indeed we are the Children of God. We must remember that when the right time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman to buy our freedom from the slavery of sin. Oh, the Wonder of it All.

Have a wonderful Christmas. To God Be the Glory Great Things He Has Done!

Would you pray this prayer with me … “Lord Jesus, come into my heart? Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I do not have the peace in my heart that I yearn for. I really want that peace, joy and happiness that will fulfill my heart’s desire. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will honour Your Name.” Amen