Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
SAVIOR IS BORN
Luke 2:1-20 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”(Luke 2:15)
Luke, probably a gentile by birth, well-educated in Greek culture, a physician by profession, a companion of Paul from his second missionary journey, and the writer of this gospel relates his narrative of the birth of Jesus to dates of world history, showing Jesus to be a historical figure. By the decree of Augustus Caesar, Mary and Joseph were brought from Nazareth to Bethlehem that the savior might be born there for the fulfillment of the prophecy concerning the place of His birth. (Micah 5:2).
Savior is
born in vulnerability: Luke
presents a Man-Savior. After the narration of the conception of Man –Savior
Luke gives us in this chapter an excellent record of His genuine human birth,
which was, according to the law of God’s creation of man, that he might be a
Man-savior for the salvation of man. The Man-Saviors’ life began in a manger
wrapped in swaddling clothes signifying the lowliest place a human baby be
born, in total insecurity and vulnerability thus fully identifying with human
being.
Lasting
Peace: Many Jews
were looking for a political leader to deliver them from Roman rule. But this
announcement concerns the savior who would deliver them from sin and death.
(2:14) The angels recognized the glory and majesty of God by giving praise to
Him. Peace is not assured to all but only to those pleasing God. The angels
proclaimed a deeper more lasting peace, a peace of mind and soul made possible
by the Savior. Peace with God is received by faith in Christ (Roman 5:1) and it
is on believers that His favor rests.
First
witnesses: When Jesus was born in Bethlehem the first
people to become aware of his birth and seek him out were shepherds. Shepherds
are people who devote their lives caring for and tending their flocks of
vulnerable defenseless lambs and sheep.
Prayer: Lord Jesus thank you for coming to us here
on this earth, in simplicity and innocence of a baby. Thank you for making
yourself vulnerable to our care so that
we may care for you and open our hearts to you. Amen
Mr. P. V.
Varghese, Epiphany MTC, New York