Our Journey to Bethlehem
Go with me for a moment to Bethlehem almost 2,000 years ago. We see a bright light streaming its way toward a stable. We move in this direction, soon smelling the smells of straw and animals. What is this? …A newborn baby wrapped in swaddling clothes is lying in a manger. Mary and Joseph smile sweetly upon the One declared the “Son of the Highest—the One Who would save his people from their sins” (Lk. 1:32 & Mt. 1:21).
What could make this event so powerful that one of God’s angels would appear to shepherds declaring, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Lk. 2:10&11). Oh, now listen to the majestic sounds of a heavenly host praising God and saying “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Lk. 2:13&14). Angels hearken to the voice of God’s Word (Ps. 103:20). The angels were worshipping God and declaring the truths concerning this little One, Jesus. …But their worship was by the Spirit of Truth. They echoed the heart of God back to Him and then to man. What was this message?
Remember man was given authority over the earth (Gen. 1:28, 2:15). Even though man needed a redeemer, one to forgive their sins, they needed to accept God’s plan for this, Who was Jesus. God had promised a Messiah through the prophets and even declared that He was coming. This day was different. He wasn’t coming, He had come. The message was made known through the angels so that man could embrace it. Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, Simeon, and Anna, and three years later, the wise men embraced Jesus as the Messiah. Thirty years after the birth of Jesus, He would be declared the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (Jn. 1:29). Many have embraced this Jesus as Lord and Saviour. As we look down in His little face, do we embrace Him as Lord? That precious head will be crowned with thorns; but that will not be the end, for He will be crowned again as Kings of Kings and Lord of Lords before all man.
God’s message still rings true to you and me. “Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy…” Emmanuel, God with us, came 2,000 years ago; yet, abides with us today by the Holy Spirit. We don’t have to fear because we, the children of God, have been given the Comforter. Yes, we have “peace and goodwill” because our Lord Jesus took away our sins. We are forgiven, free from guilt and shame. Sing with me, sing with the angels, “Glory to God in the highest!”