The wonder of Christmas. The special day when most of the world stops and celebrates in their own way.
The celebration two thousand years ago was special too. The unusual event of the Lord’s conception happened. Two young people, Joseph and Mary, rejoiced over the birth of God’s Son.
There was no room in the inn, so the world’s Savior was born in a barn. His first bed was a feeding trough. The barn was quiet; only the animals knew of Jesus’s arrival. But the angels announced elsewhere with praise the Messiah was nearby. In Bethlehem.
Shepherds were frightened by the angels, but they were also amazed. The heavenly host announced the birth of the Messiah. Why them? Why in the open fields did the angels come to them? Whatever the reason, the sheep watchers scurried off to Bethlehem to see the Son of God.
The barn had its first visitors, shepherds, who were in awe of the baby Messiah. Maybe they didn’t realize they were the first to see our Lord. These flock-protectors didn’t know the miracles making the Lord’s birth possible. But there they stood in amazement. Jesus, the King of kings, was here on earth before their very eyes.
Wise men saw a new star in the heavens. The new phenomenon was a magnet saying follow me. Were these men the only ones on earth who saw a star moving? They followed its direction by night. Their faithfulness paid off. They saw the boy of miraculous birth. In their worship, they left gifts of gratitude. The gold, frankincense, and myrrh provided the support necessary for Jesus’s parents pilgrimage to Egypt.
As you read scripture, notice God’s way of providing for the gospel’s advancement. God still directs his children.
