The Profound Message

Five days before Christmas in the year zero, Joseph and Mary, who was nine-months pregnant and riding on a donkey, were approaching Jerusalem on their journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem.  Mary had been jostled on the back of the colt for nearly three weeks while Joseph, walking alongside, was nervous about getting to Bethlehem and finding shelter in time.  Five days later, St. Luke takes up their story (Luke 2:4-5).

They arrive in Bethlehem, but there was no room for them in the place they expected.  Mary was in full labor at this point and Joseph was frantic.  Bethlehem was a tiny town and their options were few.  Just outside the town, they found a hollowed-out area that was being used as a stable for donkeys and oxen.  It had a manger there for feeding the animals hay.  There was no other option, and the proximity of the animals would provide the warmth they needed.  Jesus was born and was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid on the hay in the manger.  Thus the king of kings and the savior of the world was laid in this humblest of humble places – a feeding box for donkeys and oxen.

Meanwhile, at that very moment, maybe several miles away, the night sky lit up with the “glory of the Lord” and the whole area where some shepherds were tending their flock came under a spotlight.  The shepherds were startled, and while looking up at the fireworks, an angel appeared in the sky at that moment and shouted out a profound message:  “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is the Messiah and Lord.  And this will be a sign for you:  you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”  (Luke 2:10-12).  And, as might accompany such an overwhelmingly important message, an entire army of “heavenly host” appeared in the sky with trumpets blaring while melodiously chanting out yet another message for the entire population of earth:  “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”  (Luke 2:13-14). 

The shepherds were led to the cave outside Bethlehem where they observed Joseph, Mary, and the infant in this most unlikely of places.  After seeing this, the shepherds “made known the message” and “all who heard it were amazed.”  (Luke 2:17-18).  Thus began the life of Jesus Christ, whose profound impact on the human race is undeniable.  The claim today is that he saved us from our sins.  We now know what it takes to live a joyful, faith-filled life and what it takes to merit a heavenly reward at our death.  God has indeed visited his people and saved them from their sins.  Amen!