In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
This is the story of the birth of Jesus. We know it. It is alluded to in some Christmas hymns and songs, so it is impossible to not hear something about it this time of year.
Christmas is an interesting time. We all run around like crazy, busy with work and Christmas shopping. We bake goodies and look at lights on the tree that is so immaculately decorated. We spend time and make memories with loved ones. These are all great things to do. I have always loved Christmas and all that it entails, with the exception of the materialism that goes with it (but that is a whole other blog post). When these things are present we say 'it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.'
Some of us remember the birth of Jesus Christ this time of year. Some choose to go to church because they haven't been in a while, and some choose not to celebrate the birth of Jesus at all. Many people still celebrate Christmas in 'their own way'. They look at Christmas as a time to give to those in need, be with family and/or exchange presents. Even the most grinchy and scroogy person you know seems to celebrate something this time of year. It is almost as if something clicks in our human nature that makes us desire to be with others, spread cheer, hope for peace and give to charity. I believe the saying is "Peace on earth and good will toward men." That sounds familiar. Isn't that what the angels sang when Jesus was born?
Luke 2: 13-14 says, "suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
I was researching the saying, "Peace on earth and good will toward men". I feel like a lot of people tend to summarize the idea of Christmas as everyone getting along for once and showing favor to those who are often ignored, perhaps the poor and needy (i.e peace and goodwill). Do not get me wrong. I believe in charity. We are such fortunate people, even when we do realize it. We may feel shortchanged, but there is usually someone out there who needs more than we do. The Bible teaches us that pure religion is looking after widows and orphans in their distress (James 1:27). Is charity enough? Is there something missing? Can I meet someone's material needs and not tell them about the true meaning of Christmas? I mean, they should get the idea by now, right? How many Christmases in America have they celebrated by now?
In verse 13, the angels begin praising God. God is getting the glory for the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ. This is 'good news', or as we call it, the gospel. Some translations of the Bible say, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests', instead of 'Glory to God in the highest heave, on earth, peace, goodwill toward men.' These look like different verses. The favor and goodwill is not referring to man. It does not mean that when we celebrate the birth of Jesus every year we will have peace and goodwill toward each other. The favor and goodwill belongs to God because He has given us the gift of Immanuel, God with us. He has shown us favor by giving the greatest gift of all. Robert Stein says in his commentary on Luke that this 'peace' refers to the fullness of blessing which the Savior brings. He says it is a synonym for salvation! Jesus was born to reconile God and sinner. That is the amazing news of the gospel and the beautiful message of Christmas! The peace is in our reconciliation with God. Our sins are forgiven and salvation is here!
Yes, it is good to show love, peace and charity to our neighbors. But if we do this without telling them the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ, what is the point? All creation should sing Glory to God for such a gift and praise God for His favor!
Hark the Herald Angels Sing is one of my favorite hymns. Listen to the lyrics. It captures the essence of Christmas, the gospel of Christ. I love it! Listen here to the version Keith and Kristyn Getty do.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiP6HtIaJ70
Merry Christmas!
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