Christmas is far more than the birth of a baby. It is more than a holiday, or a celebration or a season of goodwill. It is the beginning, the beginning of the end, actually. Christmas is the final act in the redemptive story that began long ago, in eternity past. The first stop on our journey to Christmas was a beautiful garden. Next, we stopped in Nazareth and the fields outside Bethlehem. This week we’ll stop at the manger.
The Sign
We left the shepherds dumbfounded by the angelic visit, astounded by the news. But the angel plainly told them:
“And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12).
Implicit in that pronouncement was the expectation that the shepherds would GO and FIND the baby, that they would want to SEE the Saviour who had been born. And they did.
The God of heaven gave us all the information we need in order to find the Saviour. Four gospels were written. Old Testament books explain our need. New Testament letters break down the wonder of salvation. All of it given with the expectation that we would act on it.
Straight to Bethlehem
When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger (Luke 2:15-16).
Scripture is so understated here, it is almost humorous. I imagine the shepherds tripping over each other in their rush to get to town.
We are left to imagine what happened when the shepherds saw the baby. What did they say? What did they do? How long did they stay?
Once we knew there was a Saviour and that He was accessible, did we have that same fervor to get to Him? Maybe there are no details of the shepherds’ meeting because every encounter with the Saviour is unique and deeply personal.
After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, (Luke 2:17).
These were changed men. They had seen the Saviour!
Our stop at the manger puts us in the shoes of the shepherds. Last week we considered the humbling wonder that the Gospel has come to us. This week at the manger, in the presence of the newborn King, how will you respond? We’ve been given a clear message. We’ve been invited to come and behold Him. Now what? Is it a fascinating story? An amazing event? Or is it a life-transforming, eternity-defining encounter? And if so, can anyone tell that we have been changed by the Saviour who is Christ the Lord?
It’s easy to quickly give the “correct” answer and move on. Don’t do that. Experience the wonder and the joy. Worship and adore Him without reservation. Then let everyone know what you know about that Baby!
Our journey is not over. We have a couple of stops still to go. In the meantime, savor these Christmas moments!