By Rebecca Thackeray
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. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Luke 2:10-14
Birthdays are special, remembering the day they were born and where they have come now. Valuing the person who has made it another year, whether it is your own or someone you love, you want it to be special. Even though we might not have physically been in the room when our friends or loved ones entered the world, later on, we are still able to join them in celebrating who they are.
The birth of Jesus was history-making. Since the beginning of time, prophecies and revelations have been built up to this moment. Let’s go back to the start. John 1:1 says, ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.’ The Son of God wasn’t a backup plan as a result of the fall but was present with God – always. After the Old Testament prophecies, which promised a Messiah and salvation, there was an extra 400-year wait. Finally, when the timing was right, ‘the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.’ John 1:14.
The long-awaited King’s birth wasn’t what some may have thought would be fit for a king; God could have easily placed a strong man in his prime on the earth to share the good news and to win hearts. That would have saved a lot of time and energy. Instead, the Son of God entered the world with vulnerable and humble beginnings, a baby who was wholly dependent on provision from his caregivers. There is something intentional about Jesus living and growing from the youngest age. Just like God, who dwelt within the Tabernacle, living amongst the Israelites, provided unity and communion. Jesus, who was fully God and fully human, was placed into a family, in a community and was seen by all people, and was for all people.
The time was finally here, the King was born! It wasn’t like the day a British royal baby is born, the televised royal parents are standing neatly on the hospital steps with their little clean bundle of joy. Instead, on His day of birth, Jesus was placed within a feeding trough, and heavenly invitations were sent to all types of people to come and see. To see the promised Word of God in human form, who brought peace, and unity between man and God.
Ask: Why did God choose to bring Jesus into this world as a baby?
Seek: Can you imagine the scene of a multitude of angels, all praising and giving God the glory? How would you respond if you were one of those shepherds?
Knock: Thank you, God, for your intentionality in giving us Jesus as a baby, the importance of His life and relatable human experiences.
