The
first Christmas was a confusing, bewildering, exciting, amazing time. The known
world was thrust into frantic activity by the decree of Caesar to take a
census. It would have been easy enough except everyone had to travel to their
ancestral home. The Jews are very clannish, like the Scots. To make the census
more palatable to the Jews, the authorities tapped into their ancient loyalty
to their patriarchal tribes. So it was that Joseph and Mary had to travel, at a
most inconvenient time, to the town of Bethlehem.
The
trip would have been an ordeal. It would normally take 3-4 days to walk to
Bethlehem from Nazareth, but with Mary being very pregnant it took longer.
Like all expectant fathers, I’m sure that Joseph didn't want Mary to overdo it.
So they made their way, slowly, to Bethlehem because Joseph came from the line
of David, the King.
Joseph
may have puzzled over the irony of his connection to Bethlehem. He was anything
but the son of a king. A simple carpenter, living in a small, obscure village
on the fringe of the nation. He was a man who worked with his hands, not one
who gave orders and ruled a nation. Of the line of David. A more unreal thought
couldn't have passed through his mind.
When
they finally arrived, Bethlehem was bedlam; there were people everywhere. It
had not been designed for this influx of humanity. Every available
accommodation was taken; occupied by some weary traveler, anxious to get
registered and go home. The atmosphere was not festive, it was tense. Nerves
were on edge, tempers were short. Roman soldiers roamed the streets adding to
the uncomfortable feeling in the air. A young couple, arriving late, were
viewed as a nuisance, an inconvenience, an unwanted burden.
They
found shelter in a stable. It was probably a cave that had been enlarged, with
a fence and gate to keep the animals in. Like most caves, it would have been
musty, slightly damp and dirty. The stale air, mixed with the aroma of the
animals, would have made for a pungent atmosphere. But near the back of the
stable, the young couple would have a measure of privacy. Privacy that they
dearly needed, for the time for the baby had arrived. Had they been
accommodated in the inn, they would have been crowded in with other guests,
exposed to the curious stares of strangers. In a strange way, God provided a
private room for his son to be born into our world. Possibly shielded by the
oblivious animals, Mary gave birth to the son of God.
In
the villages of Israel, the birth of a child was a major event. The whole
village would be in anticipation of the arrival. When the baby entered the
world, it was customary for some local musicians to gather outside of the house
and herald the birth with music. Soon the whole village would be informed and a
collective celebration would take place.
There
were no mistrals waiting to announce Jesus’ birth. But God was not going to let
His son’s birth go unnoticed. He sent His messenger to a group of Temple
shepherds who were staying with the flock out in the field. The sky blazed with
the glory of God and one or two of these hardened men may have wet their
tunics. We know that they were not just startled, they were terrified. The
message the angel gave was one of comfort and joy. Don’t be afraid, God has
just fulfilled his promise to send the Messiah into the world. Here is the
really good news. You marginalized, blue collar laborers are included. The
Messiah has come, not for the religious elite, but for the common people; for
all the people! He is just over there in Bethlehem. You can find him, wrapped
tight in swaddling clothes and placed in a manger.
At
that moment the sky exploded with the praise of heaven. If one angel is enough
to terrify a person, consider what a whole army of angels would do. God sent
his angelic army to celebrate the most amazing miracle that has ever happened,
that will ever happen. God invaded our world in the form of a vulnerable baby.
The
shepherds were stunned and amazed. As the night sky returned to its normal
appearance, the shepherds were moved to do something they would never even
consider doing. They left the flock, unattended in the field, and rushed to
town. They searched every cave, stable and barn looking for the baby. When they
found him they were stunned into silence. At the sight of the baby, they knew
it was all true. Their silence was broken with uncontrollable praise. They left
the bewildered young family, and raced through the sleepy streets proclaiming
the good news. Although everyone who heard the news was amazed, there is no
record that they went to check it out for themselves. The morning was dawning.
The busy day was ahead of them. The census demanded all of their attention. So
they forgot what they had heard and went on with life.
God
chose a very unlikely cast of characters to participate in this monumental
event. A young girl, a rough carpenter, a group of smelly shepherds. He didn't
choose the elite, the informed, the upper crust. He chose common people, and he
still does.
Paul
reminds us that none of us have a claim on God’s gift because of our social
status or reputation. We are recipients of the gift because of His great love. Brothers, think of what you were when you
were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were
influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of
the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame
the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised
things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are, so that no
one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus,
who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and
redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the
Lord."
The
Christ of Christmas is our Savior purely as an unmerited gift from God. For it is by grace you have been saved,
through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by
works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
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