Through the Bible - Habakkuk 1-2, Revelation 14
Good morning,
Often overlooked in the Christmas story was the shepherd's reaction to what transpired, which we ended with on Saturday. It will serve as today's verse:
Luke 2:17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. NKJV
They didn't have all of the "head knowledge" of the Pharisees, they may not have realized the full significance of what they saw, but they did have to wonder "what child is this?". These lowly shepherds were amazed at what they heard and saw and had to spread the news.
What Child Is This?
What Child is this who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
We don't know of the conversations between Joseph, Mary and the shepherds. Perhaps they explained how they had arrived there, who this child was, and how the angels had spoken to them about the events that were now taking place. It would only have added to the wonder of it all, and increased there desire to share the message.
Those who should have cared most about His coming were indifferent. Most people today are still indifferent to who this Christ child was, or I should say, is.
A friend of mine recently led a medical missions trip to Nicaragua. Among others his sister and niece came along. Neither were Christians and even heading into the trip you might say that they were still indifferent about Jesus. But seeing the love of Christ displayed among the people, how the other team members spoke of what Christ had done for each of them, and the love shown to them by the people of Nicaragua in gratitude, their hearts were melted. Later that week both of them came to know the Lord as their personal Saviour. I believe that this Christmas will be different for them, and as they gaze upon a manger scene or sing hymns and carols like Silent Night or O Holy Night, they will wonder themselves "what Child is this", that came to die for me, that has now changed my life, given me new life.
As you here some of the carols and hymns this week, take some time to listen to the words, print them, read them during a quiet time or possibly a break time at work. As you find some solitude in your church, in your home, before a Christmas (not holiday) tree, think about "what child is this?"
Those who remain indifferent will miss out on the greatest gift ever. So many need light in this dark world, so many are looking for peace.
By the way, the day that the mother and daughter received Christ as their Saviour had been the birthday of the mother of the brother and sister. Now, everytime they think of her birthday they will be reminded of their "second birth". Sometimes God changes the order of the "love, win, build, send" formula, and those sent are loved and won in order to come home to be built up.
I was reminded of another song, that summed up what had been evidenced on the mission trip. What God had shown in sending His Son. Here from the song "We Are One in the Spirit". The shepherds had seen and heard of the love of God from the angels and from Mary and Joseph. The mother and daughter had seen and heard of the love of Christ in the Christians as they served, they showed them the love of God working out in their lives.
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand.
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand.
And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land.
And they'll know we are Christians
By our love, by our love,
Yes they'll know we are Christians by our love.
We will work with each other, we will work side by side.
We will work with each other, we will work side by side.
And we'll guard each man's dignity and save each man's pride.
And they'll know we are Christians
By our love, by our love,
Yes they'll know we are Christians by our love.
May that we our goal, to spread the news, that others will witness Christ by the love shown in His people.
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
Luke 2:15-21
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
NKJV
Luke 2:25-36
Simeon Sees God's Salvation
25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:
29 "Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word;
30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation
31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
32 A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel."
33 And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
NKJV
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