The Birth of Jesus — Luke 2:1-7
Praise of the angels and shepherds — Luke 2:8-20
Jesus Circumcised — Luke 2:21
Thoughts about serving others
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Let the Word evoke words. May your life encourage lives.
This passage of Scripture brings to mind many wonderful memories. I remember reading Luke 2:1-4 at Church of the Way Presbyterian as a young boy–seemed like a long narrative at the time. As an parent, I remember times when we all sat in church together during the Christmas season and heard the words repeated. “In those days…” Just those words and pleasant thoughts come to mind. Thanks, Lord, for great memories.
The shepherds have always amazed me in this account of the birth of Jesus. I imagine in their time tending to the flock out in the fields at night, the stars must have been wonderful, the sky filled with celestial bodies without any light pollution. This particular night was quite different, but their reaction is perfect: “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about” (Luke 2:15). The shepherds told others and spread the word. Luke records, “all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them” (2:18), but apparently that’s not the same as saying all believed what the shepherds had to say. Looking at the Greek, all who heard it marveled [ θαυμάζω (thaumazō) ], or where filled with wonder at what the shepherds said. They didn’t doubt them, but it was something beyond definition.
Time keeps moving forward, the sun rises and sets, the shepherds keep their flocks and the busy time of the census continues. Joseph dutifully circumcises the baby on the eighth day and formally declares his name, Jesus, as required by the angel that spoke to him nine months earlier. I wonder about the conversations between Mary and Joseph over the course of 40 weeks. I can’t help but sense that these were two quiet people, just ordinary Jews who kept the laws and celebrated the festivals with other Jews.
I really don’t have words to express the wonder, the peace, the calm that overflows as I read these words. I don’t know Greek or fully understand the meaning of thaumazō, but I do sense God’s presence here. This peace is too great for me to hold to myself. Lord, show me how to spread your message to those I come in contact with each and every day. Your love is greater than life itself. Glory to God in the highest!