A Christmas Narrative Part 4

Mary and Joseph are now the proud parents of a bouncing baby boy. He is perfect, as every parent sees their newborn baby, but He really is the most perfect being ever to be born into humankind. The newborn King would more than likely do what babies do, He would cry when hungry, wet, or tired. Mary would have the privilege of watching Jesus learn to crawl, walk, and talk. Joseph would hand down his skills and talents of carpentry, fishing, and maybe hunting. As Jesus would grow, His Earthly parents would experience what being in the presence of God is like, and the rest of the world would be introduced to Him some 30 years later. But even before His ministry began, He was already bringing hope to the hopeless.

The Shepherds (Luke 2:8-20)

Mary and Joseph were in awe of this beautiful baby boy they held in their hands. Mary could only gaze at this miraculous wonder and Joseph could only marvel at her courage and bravery. They could hear the other animals in the stables breathing, chewing, and bleating. They seemed to know there was something special about this child. As the baby slept, the light from a bright star was shining in through the windows and crevices. At that time some shepherds were out in the field tending their flock. They were tired, hungry, and dirty; but no one would care about their needs as this is the only jobs they could get, and they needed these jobs. Another night of hearing the sheep, of keeping the wolves at bay, and eating cold bread when suddenly, “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12)

They could not believe the news they had just received, and who were they to receive this news let alone from an Angel of God. They had heard prophesies in passing the temple, heard there was to be a Messiah to save the Jewish people, maybe this Savior could save them. As they stood in disbelief looking at the spot where this Angel stood, they noticed a bright star in the distance. The shepherds could not leave the flock, so they would bring them down into the town and even the sheep seemed to be eager to see this baby. This star seems to be leading them, they walked the dirt paths and to a stable. The shepherds came to the place where this baby was laying with his mother. They were overjoyed, what the Angel had said was true – all of it! “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” Luke 2:20 NIV. As they left the family, they told all who they passed about this newborn Savior.

Hope for the hopeless...In my walk with the LORD, I admit to having moments of hopelessness. It's not a sin to doubt or to have my hope squashed. I think it's opportunity for God to show up in big fashion and to rekindle that flame. God being born as human was for the hope of the world and hope was extended to those who were the pariahs of society. It's beautiful that God wants us, even when we feel we are nothing to the rest of the world, our co-workers, or maybe family. Jesus brought hope for those who feel so hopeless, helpless, and invisible. That's what I love about this part of the story. So, if you are feeling that way, this part of the story should give you hope that you are so worth it! Just as the shepherds made a big deal about the newborn Jesus, so He makes a big deal about you.

Warrior On!