Christmas Day (GA)

Luke 2:1-14
1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Lk 2:1-14). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Jesus Christ is born this day in the City of David. This Good News is brought to shepherds nearby. These shepherds are given a sign so they will know the word the Angel speaks is true. The child should be wrapped in rags and placed in a feeding trough. Many people forget the meanness of this picture. The child is not placed in a fancy cradle nor is it rocked to sleep. The blankets are not soft and comfortable but used and wrapped tightly.

Jesus comes into the world in such a mean estate. He is lowly and poor. he is still taken care of by his parents. Even the Shepherds come to see this lowly child, and they share the message of the Angel. This shall be a sign for all people. The Savior of the Nations has come to be with his people.

How do we come to see this Child? Do we come with Gold and Silver? Do we come with large checks and fancy cloths? What about the one that comes straight from the field or farm? Gd came to be with his people. He did not choose the Nobles of the Earth but the lowly. He reached down into the muck to call you.

For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the LORD.