LUKE 2:1-20 IT CAME TO PASS After two thirds of human history had passed, the promised "seed of the woman" came into the world. World events had been directed by God so that at just the right time, Roman authority arranged a movement of people all across the empire to be taxed. The Greeks had their day and now had faded into an intellectual but powerless way of living. Rome with military dominance made things happen by force when necessary. The taxing that brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem was out of the ordinary as far as normal taxing procedure in the world was concerned. We know it was ordained of God to bring prophetic promises to pass. The towns of Bethlehem and Nazareth would have had little reason to make any connection apart from the fact that the One born in Bethlehem would be called a Nazarene who was called out of Egypt.
We may be inclined to think things that happen to us are merely coincidental until we can see things through God's eyes, or look back and see "the way that God led me." God has perfect timing and a perfect plan for us similar to the way He sent His Son into the world. Our problems in life are often brought about by our resistance to God's plan and the substitution of our own. In God's timing of things and places He is able to bring to accomplishment what He has given us to do. Problems in discerning God's will often comes when there is opposition, discomfort and inconvenience. If we are not careful in reading the scriptures, we could think that a smooth road and ease of labor in our occupation is evidence of God's will for us. The inconvenience and uncomfortable journey of a very pregnant young woman and her caring husband would have turned them aside from God's guidance had they acted willfully. God doesn't make mistakes.
The dirty and smelly accommodations of a manger where animals fed is not what we would consider a suitable place for a baby to be delivered. In God's sovereign plan, the surroundings in no way limited His intentions. The world we live in isn't going to get better until Christ reigns. We need to face that fact. Moral and spiritual darkness will continue to increase. The atmosphere of where we live will continue to be more anti-God, anti-Bible, anti-Christ and anti-Christian as time passes. In the descriptions given of the "last days," we can see a rapid deterioration of righteousness, integrity, dignity, honor and respect in this day. We do not have the mandate to "change the world" but to "be not conformed to this world" and to "preach the Gospel," "make disciples" in all nations. To substitute our own ambitions and vision for what God has given is futile, a waste of effort and is not of faith. When we acknowledge "Jesus Christ is Lord," then we will act according to His will and His Word. He can produce what He will in His way and through the persons of His choosing. We should never underestimate Him and His power and authority. He has committed Himself to those who respond to His mandate.
The birth of Christ in one way was very humbling, and yet to the shepherds who heard the announcement from the angel of the Lord, here was terrifying fear. When they got the whole message, that fear was turned to joy, praise and testimony. When we are first confronted with the message of God, there is fear. Sin has found us out. Our guilt makes us want to hide. Then we hear the message of the Gospel as it unfolds to us that the Spirit of God has come to us in conviction of sin and revelation of Christ. Christ become personal to us and by God's grace through faith, we recognize and accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Savior. Ordinary people in ordinary walks of life don't need extraordinary qualifications for Him to accept us. He receives sinners.
In one night, the whole course of the world changed. The majority then didn't know anything special had happened, but because of the simple words of happy shepherds, an awakening began. We don't know the impact of each event or situation we are in. But with faith in God that we have been guided to this place we can move forward day by day in confidence in spite of what might happen around us or to us. To glorify God and to praise Him in times of darkness, make the light that comes from God much more impacting than if it was done in the day.
With a deep sense of the importance of the shepherds' visit, the announcement of the angel and the miracle of Jesus' birth. Mary grew deeper and more thoughtful regarding her Son and what the future was going to hold for her, her family and the nation. The actions of God may not be understood at the moment, but His plans will work out as He will them to. It is enough that we testify, glorify and praise God for what He is doing and going to do, even though we do not know all the details.
What is so important about one birth, it's happening all the time. Usually the only question asked, "Is the mother and the baby fine?" There was only one birth that was different, it has never happened before or since. That was when through the virgin Mary, the Father to earth the Son sent.
That night is well remembered because of the gifts we may exchange. But the importance behind the event was the reason why Jesus came. He came to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And the blessings from that work He did is the message to the world we tell.
The shepherds were the first to tell about the Savior they had seen. From there the news spread as to what such a birth might mean. Has God really come to earth as the prophets had foretold? Is God really wanting people to come as sheep into His fold?
Is there hope in this hopeless world where things keep getting more wrong? Is it possible there is a spiritual healing so the dead live and the weak become strong? Is there really light in the darkness that won't fail no matter what men do? Is there a message from God that fails not because in every way it is true?
It all started in one night, but the impact is still being felt. Light in the soul gives new life, those in darkness can be helped. There is a future ahead for the One who was born that night Has power on earth now to forgive sin, and some day will make all things right.
The peace that was promised began when the Prince of Peace came to earth. And that peace is passed on to believers when they experience the power of new birth. Even though all around is turmoil, there is peace in the soul of each one Who has come to God in faith and has been accepted in His Beloved Son.
"Father, even though most people only give the birth of Christ a passing thought once a year, I thank Thee that the Holy Spirit brought me this way today to read and think of the incarnation of Christ. May I be able to pass on to others at this conference the on-going value of the new birth. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."