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Luke 2:1–20
1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
In the name of Jesus. Amen.
The birth of Jesus – the very thing we are here to celebrate tonight – doesn’t get much ink in the Scriptures. Don’t get me wrong. The entirety of the Bible is about Jesus coming to save humanity from sin. But His birth comes and goes rather quickly, quietly, and uneventfully.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus’ birth only takes half a verse (Mt. 1:25). John’s Gospel, which we will consider in tomorrow’s sermon, simply says that Jesus, the Word, became flesh and dwelt among us (Jn. 1:14). We could say that John doesn’t record anything about Jesus’ birth because Jesus became flesh the moment He was miraculously conceived. Mark doesn’t include anything about Jesus’ birth; he jumps straight into Jesus’ ministry (Mk. 1:1-11). And even in this familiar reading from Luke 2, Jesus’ birth fills only one verse, v. 7.
The first six verses of this text show how God was working behind the scenes and using Caesar’s census and taxation to get Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem where God promised the Savior would be born (Mic. 5:2-5a). There, we see that God uses even the most powerful people the world to bring about His purpose and plan – even when they don’t intend to. Then, v. 8-20 are about the announcement of Jesus’ birth, which is what we are going to meditate on.
As shepherds are tending their sheep out in the field, an angel of the Lord appears to them and God’s glory shines all around them. The shepherds are terrified, but the agnel says to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy…. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Notice that the angel is speaking directly to the shepherds. The angel tells them, “Fear not.” This has to be to the shepherds because the other people in and around Bethlehem aren’t terrified; only the shepherds are. Also, notice how the angel directs his speech to them, “I bring you good news… unto you is born this day a Savior.” The angel isn’t speaking over the shepherds’ heads to the entire world. Finally, the angel gives the shepherds instructions how to find this newborn Savior. “You’ll find Him wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” This news and announcement is specifically directed to the shepherds that first Christmas night.
Now, it isn’t the first Christmas anymore, and you have probably noticed that I’ve been skipping over a phrase as I’ve been talking about v. 10-11. I’m not ignoring it. I’ve delayed including it to make a point, and it is time to make that point.
The message of the angel that first Christmas night is good news for those shepherds. A Savior has been born to them. Eventually, that good news will spread over the days, years, and centuries. The first Christmas it was for the shepherds, but this good news of great joy will be for all people, but please know that it is for you specifically and directly, in the same way it was for the shepherds that night.
If that angel was here tonight, he would say directly to you, “I bring you good news of great joy… unto you is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” Don’t get lost in the broad scope this announcement. It isn’t as though this Savior is born for all people, and since you’re part of ‘all people,’ I guess, you’re included. No! Unto you is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord. Maybe some Christmas Eve, I’ll preach to each of you individually. But the sermon would be the same for everyone. “Unto you is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord.”
You infants, I’m preaching to you right now. Some might think it’s silly because you can’t understand or comprehend, but this is God’s Word. And the Holy Spirit accompanies that Word to create and sustain the faith God gave you in your Baptism. So, you infants, unto you is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord. Your Savior was once just like you – small and helpless. His father and mother had to carry Him around and do everything for Him. Jesus came to save you. Jesus says that you are the model of our faith and to you belongs the kingdom of God (Lk. 18:18-19).
You children, you’re part of this too. Jesus is your Savior. You aren’t perfect. You sin. But unto you children is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord. Jesus loves you and desires that you come to Him (Mk. 10:13-16). And know this, you are the reason that Jesus grew up as a child.
You adults who have busy, full lives. You have a lot of pressures. Working. Putting food on the table and keeping the house warm. Running kids from one thing to another and helping them with homework. In between all of that, you try to find time to clear your sidewalks and driveway from the ridiculous amount of snow we’ve gotten. You do your best, but you lose your patience. You say and do things to your kids, spouse, friends, and coworkers that you regret. You might have all sorts of things on your mind right now about the rest of the evening’s activities and the credit card bill that is coming to pay for tonight. Well, you adults, give me at least five seconds of your attention: Unto you adults is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord.
You seniors, you’ve seen a lot of changes throughout your life, and very few of those changes have been for the better. Even though Christmas isn’t the same as it was in your childhood, Jesus hasn’t changed. Your Savior is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). Unto you is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord. Jesus loves you no less today than the day you were Baptized and brought to faith, and your God will remain faithful to you all your days.
And you who mourn the recent death of a loved one, I know Christmas can be especially difficult. Tonight, you might find yourself looking to an empty chair or wanting to make a comment to someone who is no longer with you. And that absence tonight is just another reminder of the pain and loneliness you feel daily. In the midst of that pain, don’t be ashamed of feeling the joy of the birth of Jesus. You can feel sad tonight, and it’s understandable if you do. Even Jesus wept at the death of His friend, Lazarus (Jn. 11:35). Just know that joy and sadness can mingle together because this good news of great joy is also for you. Unto you is born this day a Savior who is Christ the Lord. And this same Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life (Jn. 11:25).
Again, the angel would say to each of you, “Unto you is born this day a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” The only difference between you and those shepherds is that you cannot go to see Jesus in the manger. He didn’t stay there. Yes, His infant arms were tucked tightly into that manger so those same arms could be stretched out upon the cross. His head was surrounded by hay in a feeding trough to later be crowned with thorns. His body was swaddled and laid in a manger so that same body could eventually be wrapped in linen cloths and laid in a tomb. But just as He did not remain the manger, neither did He remain in the grave.
Even if you went to Bethlehem right now, you wouldn’t behold Jesus there. Instead, you have something better. You have His presence here and now. The Savior born unto you this day says, “Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I among them” (Mt. 18:20).
You who have gathered here in Jesus’ name, come and behold Him. You never have to wonder if God loves you. He has demonstrated His great love for you (Ro. 5:8). If you want to know what God thinks of you, first, look down into the manger, then look up to the cross. There is your answer. Merry Christmas! Amen.
The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.
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