Luke 2:1-20
Good morning, RTB’ers!
I mentioned a few days ago that we were reading a Scripture passage with which we were quite familiar. I daresay that for many (or most) of us, there is no passage in all of Scripture with which we are more familiar than today’s reading. Jesus’ birth is recounted for us each Christmas; at St. Andrew’s we even have a children’s Christmas pageant that tells the story in words and action. But with such familiarity it can be difficult to pick out material which is new – unless we go deeper and look for it! Many years ago our pastor, David Brannen suggested to us, “Notice what you notice.” So if you’ve already read today’s passage, go back and read it again with “new eyes” and “notice what you notice”.
To that end, what did I notice? Surprisingly, something fairly small: “And they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen Him, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it were amazed about the things which were told them by the shepherds.” (vv. 16-18) Mary had already had an angelic visit from Gabriel telling her what to expect (Luke 1:26-38); Joseph had had a dream in which he was filled in on some details (Matthew 1:18-21). So together they knew and surely had talked together about this birth. And now these (lowly) shepherds come to the stable and report what they had seen and heard, fully confirming to Mary and Joseph that Gabriel’s words and Joseph’s dream had come to pass as predicted.
Nine years ago we were living in Richmond and, unknown to me, Carol was quietly looking around Versailles, wondering about us possibly moving here. Then one day between Christmas and New Year’s, 2014, she finally asked me, “Have you ever thought about moving to Versailles?” My response stunned both of us: “It’s been heavy on my heart the past week!” Truly, in our driving to St. Andrew’s for services for more than six years the thought had certainly crossed my mind. But in that week before Carol’s question to me, that thought had become a burning “desire”. It just made sense to me that we should look into moving. And then, Carol’s question… Our hearts are filled whenever we get confirmation from an external source of something, maybe a plan of action that we have been considering. For Carol and me, my response to her question was a full confirmation of our moving over here. Likewise, for Mary and Joseph, the shepherds’ visit was that confirmation of what they had been told. No doubt, this young, lonely couple was filled with joy at these shepherds’ words! Yes, most certainly, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among people with whom He is pleased.” (Luke 1:14)
Blessings!
Thanks Fred. I read the passage for today and took your and David’s advice. The word “nearby” jumped out to me. NIV. ESV uses “region”, and NKJV uses “same country”. Later after the angels left, they hurried off to find what the angels had told them. I’m assuming that they weren’t too far away, because at some point human nature kicks in and we give up the search. Granted, they had an amazing experience which spurred them on, but they still had to question, “Why are we doing this? Why us?”
While I was reading, I heard banging outside and became curious. I got up and went outside to investigate. I thought someone nearby was getting a new roof but as soon as I got outside, the banging stopped and no sign of anything going on near me. I walked around the house and gave up and came in because I was very cold. None of my close neighbors were out to find the source of the noise.
Back inside my thoughts went to the reading. Why only the shepherds? Why didn’t anyone in Bethlehem notice this? The city was full and I’m sure some people were up. If God wanted others to know, He would have made them aware.
Ever looked back at an experience and thought, “Why didn’t I think to bring x?” Surely on such a journey as going back to one’s home place many miles away with a wife who was close to giving birth, a tent would have been helpful. Joseph probably didn’t own a tent and didn’t think shelter was needed. A tent wasn’t in God’s plan, because if it were, Joseph would have had one. I’m an over packer. And I still end up forgetting something. So what I’m getting at is, if I’m following God, He will provide my needs. He will tell me what I need to know and I need to trust Him. Mary and Joseph trusted God. They knew they were entrusted with God’s son, but they didn’t have the details; they trusted God to guide them. Please God, let me let go of wanting the details and trust You to complete Your plan.