Revision as of 19:18, 12 December 2024

Luke 2:1-20 The Newborn Portrait

Nathan Wakefield / General

Portraits of the King / Luke 2:1-21

Theological Proposition/Focus:The birth of Jesus reminds us that the Lion of Judah is not a tame lion, but he is safe. This highlights the paradox of the incarnation, where the all-powerful God chose the fragility of a newborn to reveal His glory and character. It encourages believers to reconcile their perception of God as being both mighty and gentle.

Christ Focus:

Homiletical Proposition/Application:This sermon can help Christians understand that while Jesus appeared as a vulnerable baby, He embodies divine strength and protection. In our struggles, we can find safety in an untamed God who is both powerful and loving.

Introduction

Image: Senior baby pictures

Baby pictures are a lot of fun, in part because baby pictures invite us to look forward.

We don't take ourselves too seriously in my family, and so when I graduated high school, we had fun with the yearbook. Parents could submit a baby picture of their graduating seniors and leave a message. Well, my mom, dad, and I conspired and decided to purchase a slot for my baby picture; but instead of my actual baby picture, we submitted a picture of a baby monkey. It ended up getting printed, and we had a good laugh.

But laughing aside, baby pictures are fun because it is fun to imagine the whole world ahead of someone. Yet, we need to realize that the sovereign God of the universe is in control.

Need: We need to recognize God's sovereignty even when circumstances make it seem otherwise.

Preview: God is sovereign even when we don’t think we have room—He brings peace even when we think we are good—and remains sovereign even in humble circumstances.

Text: Luke 2:1-20 read with each main point.

Setting the Stage:

Let's take a second and read [Luke 1:3-4]: "With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught."

Luke wrote the Gospel in order that people might know with certainty the truth of Jesus.

Think about this for just a moment. It has now been more than 30 years since Jesus ascended into Heaven. Initially, there was a lot of excitement at the planting of this new thing called a church. But now, a generation and a half later, the church has taken root, but some of the original people are dying, and many are getting old. Did this Jesus thing really happen? Is Jesus really coming back?

Behind this backdrop, Luke writes the Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles so that everyone can have a rock-solid understanding and trust in the message.

Sometimes it is fun to look back on a newborn baby picture and reflect on what was before that baby. Today, we look at the newborn Christ and see God's work.

Body

Genesis 7, Remain Faithful

Nathan Wakefield / General

Praise You in This Storm / Genesis 7

Theological Proposition/Focus:Remaining faithful to God's commands brings blessings and honors Him, ultimately pointing us to the ultimate faithfulness of Jesus Christ.

Christ Focus:Noah's faithfulness and obedience foreshadow the ultimate faithfulness of Jesus Christ, who obeyed the Father's will even unto death on the cross. Through Christ, we can find salvation from the flood of sin and death.

Homiletical Proposition/Application:This passage encourages Christians to remain faithful to God's commands even when facing opposition or ridicule. It reminds us of the importance of obedience and trust in God's promises.

Introduction: Memory Verse: Genesis 6:22

"Noah did everything just as God commanded him."

Image: Husker Loyalty

If you want to talk about faithfulness, then I suppose we need to talk about Nebraska football fans.

Loyalty to Nebraska Cornhuskers football runs deep, transcending wins and losses. For decades, fans have filled Memorial Stadium for every game, supporting their team with unwavering dedication. Even through tough seasons and missed bowl games, this loyalty has never wavered. The Huskers are more than a team; they symbolize the resilience and spirit of the entire state. Fans, young and old, continue to don red and cheer passionately, believing that their support will help lift the program back to greatness, embodying the pride and perseverance of Nebraska football culture.

The once undisputed dominant force in college football is no longer dominant as evidenced by the 29-52 record since 2017 and inability to qualify for a bowl since 2016.

Nebraska was once an undisputed dominant force and the ninth-winningest program in college football history but has faced a downturn with a 29-52 record since 2017 and hasn't qualified for the postseason since 2016. Despite this, fan support remains faithful. Sure, there has been some erosion in the fan base, but the 401st consecutive sellout at Memorial Stadium, a streak that began in 1962, tells the deeper story of fans' enduring belief that the program will return to greatness. The community's optimism and positivity serve as a motivating force for the team as they face crucial moments that could define their future trajectory.

But Nebraska fans remain faithful as evidenced by the 401st consecutive sell-out since 1962.

Faithfulness is hard, but Nebraska fans prove that faithfulness is possible!

Need: Faithfulness is hard, and we often fail, but by carefully looking at Noah, we each can grow to be more faithful to our God.

Preview: In Genesis 7, we see how Noah remained completely faithful to God, but it was really God who enabled Noah. Noah had to be willing and patient.

This passage can encourage Christians to remain faithful to God's commands, even when facing opposition or ridicule. It reminds us of the importance of obedience and trust in God's promises.

Text: Genesis 7 all at the beginning

Setting the Stage:

Last week, we learned of Noah's obedience in the face of corruption that called for conformity.

Noah was given a command from God that clarified Noah's commitment to God, and ultimately, God blessed Noah with a covenant that confirmed the importance of Noah's convictions.

Despite overwhelming wickedness, God had provided a way for creation to continue, and that way involved one man and his family. Noah obediently followed God's directions and received an incredible promise. Noah would be saved, and Noah would be the one from whom God would start over.

The book of Genesis is a highly debated book. Did the events in Genesis really happen? Was there really a global flood? My answer: yes, I believe so. But at the same time, what I think really matters is the lesson we can learn from Noah, the man who was obedient in the face of overwhelming wickedness.

Today, as we consider Noah, I want us to understand the faithfulness of Noah.

Body

Faithfulness is Full-Blown — more than just sort of, kinda (1-10).

Image: Ultimate full-blown faithfulness was demonstrated in Jesus.

Noah's immediate and complete obedience to gather his family and the animals as instructed by God parallels the Christian call to obedience and faithfulness in preparation for God's promises. This mirrors how Jesus completely obeyed His Father's will without hesitation, preparing us for salvation and pulling us into that kind of complete obedience.

Faithfulness for Noah was full-blown. What do I mean by that? Noah was more than just sorta faithful. So often, many of us are just sorta faithful. We are faithful when it is easy. We are faithful when it doesn't require a lot of work. We are faithful most, some, or a little of the time. Most of us are kinda faithful.

Noah was completely, full-blown faithful. Look with me carefully at verse 1.

God is the judge of faithfulness; Noah was found righteous before God (1).

While the whole family entered the ark, Noah was singled out as faithful.

The Hebrew word you in verse 1 is put into a prominent position emphasizing Noah.

Noah was singled out as God commanded Noah and his whole family to enter the ark. The text tells us that God had found Noah righteous in the midst of the generation. The word "you" is placed in a prominent position in the Hebrew. The text does not mention the righteousness of the family, it mentions Noah. God found Noah righteous.

The Author of Hebrews helps us understand this further. Hebrews 11:7 states: "By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith, he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith." That is, the faith of Noah is ultimately what led to Noah being found righteous.

In a foreshadowing of Christ, I also see here that the obedience and faithfulness of Noah were sufficient for God to extend grace to the rest of the family.

God is the judge, and God accepted Noah's faith as a means of saving the entire family. I want to be careful—I am not advocating for a theology whereby the faith of your father is sufficient to save you. What I am advocating is a theology that the righteousness, obedience, and faith of Jesus Christ is enough to warrant your salvation, should you choose to accept the offer. God is the judge of faithfulness, and He has judged Christ's act of faithfulness as sufficient. All we need to do is enter the ark.

Let me expand on this metaphor just a little.

God called on Noah and his household to enter the ark. The family was offered salvation, but they had to take the step of accepting that salvation. At any point, someone might have said, "No, I don't believe the flood is coming; I am not going to waste my time getting into the ark."

Jesus obediently accepted the cross, dying for our sins. This righteous, obedient, faithful act opened the door of the metaphorical ark of salvation. However, just having an open door does not save you. You must enter into the ark. You must personally accept Jesus' offer of salvation. God is the judge of righteousness, and He has provided a way.

As we move into verses 2–5, we are going to see that faithfulness involves complete obedience.

Faithfulness involves complete obedience (2–5).

God provided some important details for Noah to follow. Noah was to bring two of every type of animal onto the ark. However, of some, he was to bring seven pairs. Why seven? Because these clean animals were animals that could be sacrificed and would also be allowed to be eaten. As God repopulates the earth, it is striking that He does so with careful planning and intentionality.

Image: Sometimes kids don't know best

There are times when I am working with a nephew on some project and they come up with some bad ideas. Richard and I were working on the steps to their deck, and one of the boys comes up with a drill and states, "Do you think we should drill a hole here?" Ummm, no! I don't think we should. "Well, I do," he responds. "Well, that is nice, but we are not drilling a hole there." That hole makes no sense… I wonder how often I sound like that with God. I tell God how I want to do something, and He tells me, "No, that is not how we are doing it; your idea makes no sense."

Noah had to completely obey God; Noah did not get to choose to take an extra cow or leave behind a sheep. Noah was called to obediently, faithfully follow God's directions.

Noah's complete faithfulness put him in an awkward position of waiting for God to act (6–10).

Have you ever stepped out in faith and then thought, "Okay, now what?"

Notice the text of verses 6–10. After following God's directions, Noah and his family enter the ark and wait for seven days.

I can only imagine the conversations that must have taken place. "Dad, we have been in the ark for a whole day now, are you sure that God is really going to send rain?" "Dad, it is starting to stink in here; can we open the door and go out to get some fresh air? I don't think this rain thing is going to happen." I wonder what Noah's wife said. "Noah, are you sure that you understood God correctly?"

We need faith that is more than just 5-seconds long, we need full-blown faith. We need faith that burns the ships.

Here is what it really comes down to: sometimes full-blown faith will demand that you step out in faith! It sounds ridiculous, but I know myself. There are times when my faith is about 5 seconds long. I step out in faith, and when it doesn't happen immediately, I immediately begin trying to figure out a way to go back. No, our faithfulness must be full-blown. When we go to shore, we burn the ships behind us.

MTR: Ask yourself, is my faithfulness full-blown, or am I embracing a sort-of, kinda approach to faithfulness?

How?

In your personal life, you might find yourself being partially faithful in your spiritual disciplines, such as prayer or Bible reading. Counter this by setting aside specific, uninterrupted time each day to commune with God through prayer and study His Word. Cultivate a habit of consistency in seeking the Lord wholeheartedly.

At work, you might struggle with being partially faithful in your duties or relationships with colleagues. To address this, strive to be diligent and trustworthy in your tasks, going above and beyond what is required. Be a beacon of integrity and reliability in the workplace, demonstrating faithfulness in all your professional interactions.

Faithfulness is Divinely-Finished — a work of God in the life of the willing (11–16)

The commencement of the flood and the closing of the ark's door by God Himself illustrate that it is God who finishes faithfulness. This act of closing the door emphasizes exclusivity and divine initiative in our redemption.

It is God who demonstrates the value of faithfulness (11–15).

Noah spent decades building, but it was God who finished the work.

Noah was faithful, and Noah waited. Let me remind you that Noah spent decades building the ark, obedient to the extreme and faithful. But it was God who demonstrated the value of that faithfulness. Old man Noah, 600 years old, after waiting patiently in the ark for seven days, witnessed God's provision of salvation when the foundations of the earth gave forth.

Matthew 24:37–39 tells us that the rest of the world continued as normal with no idea what was about to happen.

Matthew 24:37–39 tells us a lot about the world at the time of the flood: "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man."

The world continued as if nothing was happening until, all of a sudden, everything changed. Subterranean waters erupted from the ground, and the heavens began pouring down rain. Then the rain kept coming. For forty days and forty nights, the rain poured on the earth. Noah, his family, and the animals were preserved in the ark. God honored His promise to Noah. God demonstrated that faithfulness is worth it. While everyone else perished, Noah and his family were saved.

Noah stepped out in faith, and God completed the work (16).

Genesis 7 is not really written in chronological order but rather as a sort of logical explanation of things that happened.

Verse 16 is one of my favorite verses. You see, it was God who closed the ark. Noah had worked hard. Noah had obeyed, but it was God who would finish the work. God is the one who finishes the work, and this is a good thing. God puts His stamp of approval on the work.

God is the one who finishes the work and it is God's stamp of approval.

Image: The difference between an A&P and an IA

In the world of aviation maintenance, every airplane has to go through an inspection program. For many airplanes, the program is called the annual inspection. Every year, the airplane must be inspected with a fine-tooth comb. Here's the trick: that inspection has to be signed off by someone with inspection authority. So, someone may have an airframe and powerplant certificate, A&P, to be able to perform maintenance on the airplane, but at the end of the day, it is someone with inspection authority who must make the final signature. It takes a special level of knowledge, experience, and training to say this inspection is truly complete.

God signed his name on the logbook by shutting the door.

God invites us to serve Him, and we should do so faithfully, but ultimately, it is God who finishes the work. When God shut the door of the ark, I really see this as God signing His name in the logbook. Everything met God's approval. Our faithfulness is divinely finished.

Hebrews 12:2 is a beautiful passage: "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Jesus is the one who perfects our faith. He is the one who divinely finishes our faith. Faithfulness ultimately is about a willingness to submit oneself completely to God and allow Him to complete the work.

MTR: Ask God to transform your heart to make you completely faithful to Him.

When you find it challenging to remain faithful in your relationships, take time daily to pray and surrender yourself to God. Ask Him to transform your heart and empower you to love and serve others selflessly.

When faced with ethical dilemmas or temptations in the workplace, pause and seek God's wisdom. Allow His Spirit to convict and enlighten you, guiding you to make choices that honor Him. If you feel like your faith is compromised by the demands of your job, intentionally integrate moments of prayer and reflection throughout your workday. Let your actions and words reflect the love of Christ.

In social settings where it's challenging to live out your faith authentically, pray for courage and boldness. Ask God to help you represent Him well and share His love with those around you.

Faithfulness is not Fleeting — it often demands patience (17–24).

The perseverance of Noah inside the ark amidst the destruction outside serves as a reminder of our responsibility to patiently remain faithful in God's protection despite the chaos of the world. Remember the faithfulness of Christ, who patiently and faithfully endured the cross for our ultimate safety and redemption.

Faithfulness is often exciting at the start (17–19).

I love a good thunderstorm. I love going out in the rain. I love listening to the thunder. I love watching the lightning, and I love the power of the wind. Often faithfulness is really exciting at the start. God asks you to step out and take a new job—it's exciting. God asks you to take a step and begin a new ministry—wow! When we step out in faith, we often encounter some of the most exciting events we will be part of.

Think about it: when we first started worshiping in the fellowship hall, we had a ton of energy. After a year, I was certainly ready to be back in the sanctuary.

In Matthew 13:5, Jesus warns about faith that springs up only to quickly succumb to the scorching sun and wither.

Unfortunately, we have seen so many people who spring up but then, as the excitement wanes, they fall away.

Day one of rain was probably exciting. On day two, maybe the thunder kept things interesting. Eventually, I am sure that the rain was not so exciting.

Faithfulness is rare enough that it can be lonely (20–23).

Noah and family were all alone.

Not only does the excitement wane, but real faithfulness is often pretty lonely. Noah and his family were all alone. Noah's faithfulness had led to his salvation, but Noah and his family were alone in that salvation. Every living thing on the land perished! Everybody Noah ever knew besides his immediate family was gone. Noah, as the leader of the family, was all alone. Here is a reality that you may one day face: most people will not be faithful. Sorry to tell you that, but it's true. When I was growing up, I remember hearing that only about 20% of people in the United States were actually born-again, true Christians. I am confident that number is even smaller now. When you go to work, to your neighborhood, really just about anywhere, the odds are that the people around you are not faithful to God.

If you choose to keep Sundays as dedicated to worship you will not fit in.

If you tell someone that you are skipping the football game because you have church, you will get the oddest looks. If you refuse to participate in an activity on Sunday, you will be met with dismissal and derision. Larry and I were talking a few weeks ago about the fact that Sundays and Wednesdays used to be protected, and children's sports were not played or practiced on those days. Guess what? That is no longer the case. I know that some of you have determined that your kids will not play if a game takes you away from church. What you have probably noticed is that you are alone in that decision. Faithfulness can be lonely.

After the excitement wanes, faithfulness requires patience (24).

40 days of rain, 150 days of the water prevailing over the earth. I can't even last a day in the house.

What's more, faithfulness requires patience. Eventually, the rain stopped, but that did not mean Noah could start his new life. No! Noah was stuck in the ark. The text states that the water prevailed over the earth for 150 days. For five months, Noah floated along, forced to faithfully trust God. I can only imagine what that must have felt like. Noah had to be incredibly patient. I can't go a single day stuck up in the house!

If you step out in faithfulness to God, you are going to be confronted with a lot. You will find that things are not as exciting as they were at the start. You will find that you are sometimes alone, and you will find that things never seem to move as fast as you want. Faithfulness is not a sprint; it is a marathon. Faithfulness is not easy; it takes time. Faithfulness is nothing short of faithfulness.

When we talk about faithfulness, we often treat it like a fleeting task that is required in the moment. No, faithfulness requires nothing short of faithfulness.

Image: Construction projects, ministry projects.

When we did the remodel, I was reminded of faithfulness. It was fun the first few weeks, then it was hard, then it required patience. The musician Steve Green had a song called "Find Us Faithful." The chorus goes: <p>

• May all who come behind us
• Find us faithful,
• May the fire of our devotion
• Light their way.
• May the footprints that we leave,
• Lead them to believe,
• And the lives we live
• Inspire them to obey.

Faithfulness is not found in a fleeting moment. Faithfulness is found in a lifetime of commitment.

MTR: When facing challenges or waiting for prayers to be answered, remind yourself that faithfulness requires patience.

When facing challenges or waiting for prayers to be answered, remind yourself that faithfulness requires patience. Instead of becoming frustrated or giving up, use this time to deepen your relationship with God through prayer, reading the Bible, and seeking guidance from mentors.

The Lord's Supper is a memorial and an encouragement to be faithful. 1 Cor. 11:23–26.

“Sovereign” despite “Saturation”—Even when you have no room for Jesus, He still has room for you (2:1–7).

God's sovereignty is evident even in the simple circumstances of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. The census decree brings Joseph and Mary to the prophesied birthplace, demonstrating that the untamed Lion is orchestrating history, but the lack of room reminds us that this orchestration is unbeknownst to the world. This reaffirms God's control and offers assurance that His plans cannot be thwarted, even when it seems like the world has no room for Jesus, Jesus is still at work. The humble beginning does not detract from Jesus's divine origin but enhances our understanding that God's strength is made perfect in weakness.

Big or small, busy or bored, powerful or weak, nobody is outside the sovereignty of God (1–3).

Luke is careful to remind us that the events of universal significance are occurring on a stage marked by earthly kings. In Luke 1:5, we were reminded that Herod was king of Judea, and now in Luke 2:1, we have Caesar Augustus, emperor of the Roman empire. Israel is still in captivity and subject to foreign power. But that does not mean that God is not the one who is really in control.

Luke moves on from his discussion of the emperor to a mention of a Roman census. The pieces of the puzzle are coming together, and God is moving at a global level to get each person in position for His next big move.

But it is not just rulers and the powerful that God is working into position. God is at work with small, insignificant people.

Poverty, insignificance, and inexperience did not keep God from using Joseph and Mary (4–6).

In Luke 2:24, we read that the sacrifice made by Mary and Joseph at the presentation of Jesus at the temple is the sacrifice made by the poor. So here in verse 4, we are introduced to a poor man from a remote area with little sway or influence.

In Matthew 1:24, we learn that after the angel of the Lord had told Joseph not to put away Mary, Joseph took Mary as his wife. Here in Luke 2, we see Mary described as being pledged to marry Joseph. What does this mean?

We have a poor couple coming out of nowhere; they are married but sort of. They have not consummated the marriage yet. Still, Joseph, the loyal and upright man that he is, cares for Mary with the utmost care as he brings her with him to yet another lowly town on the outskirts of civilization.

God is simultaneously working on two scales. He has worked through the rich and powerful and is at the same time working through the downtrodden and outcast. But that is just the beginning of this amazing story.

The ultimate paradox is that the omnipresent God of the universe does not need a lot of room to work (6–7).

I have had the unfortunate experience of being very sick and away from home. When we travel, I have a bad habit of being willing to try new foods, and sometimes it is not the best idea. But what Mary goes through takes it to a whole new level. Mary's time to deliver the baby comes, and as we all know, there is not much room in Bethlehem. So, what happens? The God of the universe is placed in a manger because there is no guest room for Mary and Joseph.

We could go around telling people, "My God is bigger than your god," and that would be accurate, but the ultimate truth is that while my God is incredible, he is capable of working with anything.

There is a lot of paradox here. God has been working on a global scale, but He also works small scale too. And more than that, he can use small scale to make significant changes. A lot of people are too busy for God, but in reality, they just don't understand that what we really need to do is give ourselves to God. Even giving God something is better than nothing; he can work with you!

Image: When I work I like to spread out my stuff and fill a space.

I have a tendency to think I need more space than I really do when I work. Just ask Emily; when I start a project, I have stuff everywhere. God is the sovereign God of the universe; we need to turn to Him and ask Him to work on us.

MTR: Turn to Jesus knowing that He has room for you.

Sovereign in Suppressed Struggles — Whether it is a recognized need or not, God's offer is an offer of peace (8–14)

The untamed God values the lowly, inviting everyone into His kingdom. The 'Glory to God' sung by angels reminds us that peace comes not from earthly security but from trust in God's mighty yet gentle nature.

What may have seemed a peaceful night gave way to something amazing (8–9)

Some theologians have suggested that the shepherds here might have been caring for lambs that were destined for sacrifice in Jerusalem. They also could have been shepherds just doing their job. Regardless, the picture we have here is of a group of shepherds peacefully enjoying the night sky while watching their flocks. Likely, these shepherds knew not much in life other than being a shepherd. These shepherds were doing what shepherds do—minding their own business and protecting their flock.

Then something unthinkable happens. The night sky erupts as an angel appears, and the glory of the Lord fills the sky. Think about this for just a second. You might have expected the glory of the Lord to appear in the temple in Jerusalem. I probably would have expected the glory of the Lord to appear at the birth of Jesus over the manger where he lay. But never would we expect the glory of the Lord to appear to lowly shepherds watching their flocks.

I suspect that the shepherds were caught completely off guard. Why would God offer them his presence in such an explicit way? Sure, they needed God, but I doubt they really understood or felt that need. They just did their thing.

In life, we need God, but most of the time we don't really feel it or recognize it. We go through life largely acting, thinking, living as if we don't really need God, but that doesn't keep God from bursting onto the scene of our life!

Despite their terror, the shepherds needed to learn not to be afraid (10–12)

So what is the natural response when we find ourselves in the midst of God's glory when we didn't even think we needed it? Fear. The shepherds were afraid, but they didn't need to be.

The fear of the shepherds is met first with a command—do not be afraid—followed by a reason—there is a message of good news, hope, not just for the shepherds but for all people.

We go through life largely ignorant of our need for God and His presence. I use the word ignorant, but maybe that is not quite right; I don't think we are innocent, and sometimes we think of ignorant as having a component of innocence. No, we simply choose to ignore or prioritize aspects of life other than God and His glory. What that means is that when we are forced to see God and His glory, we can often respond with fear.

The message we need to learn from the angels is that we don't need to be afraid because the God of the universe has a message of great joy that is made available to all people. But the titles the angel uses are themselves incredibly significant for us to understand why we don't need to be afraid.

• Today — Israel's wait is over
• In the town of David — a fulfillment of Micah 5:2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."
• A Savior — someone to deliver Israel from their biggest problem
• Messiah — He is the Christ, not just another judge as in the book of Judges; this is the one who will ultimately deliver people.
• The Lord — This Savior is worthy of your complete devotion.

But there is more; the angel tells the shepherds that they are going to find this Savior completely accessible, lying in a manger.

The reality is that a declaration of peace is in effect (13–14)

If that wasn't enough, what happens next is spectacular. The sky explodes with the heavenly hosts, and their message is one of incredible significance—peace to those on whom his favor rests.

The term Pax Romana has been used to describe Rome at this time.

The Pax Romana, or "Roman Peace," refers to a period of relative stability and minimal large-scale warfare across the Roman Empire, lasting roughly from 27 BCE to 180 CE. This era, initiated under Emperor Augustus, saw improved infrastructure, trade, and governance, which contributed to the empire's prosperity and the spread of ideas. However, this peace came at a cost. The Roman government maintained control through military might, heavy taxation, and suppression of dissent. For many individuals, particularly those in conquered territories, the Pax Romana meant exploitation, forced labor, and a loss of autonomy. Slaves, the poor, and those who opposed Roman rule faced harsh conditions and punitive measures. Thus, while the empire enjoyed broad peace and stability, countless individuals lived under oppression, highlighting the paradox of a peace that brought suffering to many.

In contrast to the Pax Romana, these shepherds were offered true peace. Peace with God himself.

Image: Bullet holes in an airplane

On November 11, 2024, a Spirit Airlines flight from Fort Lauderdale to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, was struck by gunfire as it approached Toussaint Louverture International Airport. The plane was hit multiple times while flying over an area near the airport affected by gang violence. Upon landing, a bullet was reportedly found lodged beneath the co-pilot's feet. While the bullet did not physically strike the co-pilot, its proximity highlighted the danger of the situation. Here is the thing; the plane flew all the way back not knowing how close they came to having the co-pilot killed.

I think we often go through life not really understanding the significance of our need for God. We need to be reminded!

MTR: Place your confidence, trust, in the peace secured by Jesus even in uncertain times.

Sovereignty in the stable — The baby in the manger is the mighty creator Himself (15-21)

Reflect on the shepherds' response as they spread the news of what they had witnessed, highlighting the transformative power of encountering Jesus. Just as the shepherds shared the untamed and yet safe narrative of Jesus' entry into the world, believers today can find courage to proclaim this mysterious truth. This reinforces that true safety lies in embracing the seeming paradox of Jesus' power and vulnerability.

The shepherds went not to a magnificent palace but rather a lowly stable (15)

Have you ever had to carefully pick out clothes to make sure you were not underdressed for an event? Years ago, Emily and I had the opportunity to visit the White House. But Emily and I are also pretty cheap, so I ended up parking several miles from the White House and we walked several miles through D.C.—Emily in a fancy dress and I in my suit. We had a good time, got to visit the Oval Office, and very clearly did not fit in. But I will say, having Joe Biden, then Vice President, put his arm around us was a truly unique experience.

Had the shepherds been told to visit the temple or the palace, I am sure they would not have fit in. But God did something different. God sent the shepherds not to a palace but to a lowly stable. As we look at the manger and the baby in the manger, we need to realize that this is the creator of the universe who has made himself accessible to each of us.

The insignificance of the stable placed responsibility on the shepherds (16-18)

Think about this. Had Jesus been born in the temple or the palace, there would have been a very public proclamation of the birth. However, Jesus was not born in the palace or in the temple. The masses knew nothing of the significance of this event. The only people who really understood what had happened were a group of lowly shepherds. The angels did not make their announcement in the temple; they told these lowly shepherds. The insignificance of the circumstances of the birth of Jesus meant that these shepherds had a great responsibility. The only people who would know were those the shepherds chose to tell!

We need to take this to heart in that we have been entrusted with the Gospel message; we must do the work of spreading it. It is interesting. The message of the cross is not a message that often gets a lot of airtime. People talk about Christian principles; they talk about Judeo-Christian morality, but the average person does not know the reality that there is nothing they can or should do to earn salvation. The only way to salvation is to accept that Jesus made complete payment for sins.

Think about it—you won't be able to control someone with that message. In fact, all you can do with that message is give them freedom. This means that the message of salvation is not going to get widespread traction or publicity. The only way people are going to hear the true Gospel is if you go out and tell them!

The baby in the manger is the Lion of Judah (19-20)

So how does the story end? Well, we have the classic nativity scene, and there in the manger is the baby Jesus. He has his entire life ahead of him; what will that life entail? Suffering, death, and the greatest victory ever.

When we look at that baby in the manger, may we see the Lion of Judah.

Image: Seeing the lions in Africa

While we were in Africa, I was mesmerized by the lion. I just stood looking at this magnificent animal while it sat. The power was incredible, the strength amazing, and I couldn't help but think that when I look at Jesus face to face, the power will be even greater. Yet Christmas is all about Jesus.

MTR: Humbly and boldly approach the Savior.