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The Uncommon Birth for Common Folk
From Luke 2:1-20: In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!" When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Yesterday we got to witness again, the birth of Jesus as told by children in a church's Christmas pageant. This one was incorporated into the worship service, and we were there to hear our oldest granddaughter, Saraí Evangelina Cortez, sing God's praises in the children's choir, called appropriately enough, The Hallelujah Choir. The excitement on the kids' faces and in their voices made this ancient story new. It happens every year. A news report on professional Christmas carolers shared how the carolers love to share the Christmas message again and again as hope and comfort. The key word shared by one was to help them "perhaps go back to their childhood and connect again with a special memory." That memory is that of a loving God connecting with all of humanity in the birth of His Son, Jesus.
The gospel of Luke includes the official reason for people to gather in different places, and emphasized how important it was for Joseph and Mary to come to Bethlehem, the City of David, for this child's birth. All the background is there, but so is the why:. Luke then shows how this news reached not the palace, but the pasture, where the most common of people were found, doing the most common of jobs in those days, shepherding sheep. "Do not be afraid," is the first part of the announcement. Given all we have heard of violence and aggression, the world, you and I, need to hear this; do not be afraid. The second is, "I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord." Best news yet! We have a savior and messiah born in Jesus. The shepherds in yesterday's church play had the most special part, in my opinion for a child, they ran throughout the church! The choir sang, "Run, Shepherds, Run!" and they didn't have to tell these kids twice; they ran!
So should we, in our own age, to tell others about this great news of great joy, to everyone we can! It's too good to keep to ourselves, and the world still needs to hear it. One of my daughters has a co-worker, not raised in church who asked about church and shared, "I kinda like the idea of being watched over by something greater than me." How many more are intrigued, and in need, of hearing these great news?
PRAYER; Loving God, Christmas is awesome, for in it, You acted on my behalf. Help me to truly receive, understand, and enjoy that; help me to run towards those who have not yet heard so that they, too, can hear the great news of Your love. This I pray in Christ Jesus' beautiful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
