The birth of Jesus

 Luke 2  Joseph and Mary went up to Bethlehem.. for the census.. but also because that was where God wanted them for the birth of Jesus Christ. 

The first to testify of this marvelous birth are the angels.   They told the shepherds:  ".. good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people.."  The good news is still.. "in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."   He was born for us! He is Christ the Lord.. the Savior for all people! This good news brings praise from the angels and from us.. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." 

The shepherds are the second ones to testify about Jesus.  They go to Bethlehem.. they find Mary, Joseph and the Baby.. exactly as they were told.. and they "made known the statement which had been told them about this Child."  Even Mary seems to need to hear the words of the shepherds.. for she "treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart."   The good news once again produces praise to God. 

Two more people testify about Jesus as Mary and Joseph go to Jerusalem to fulfill the requirements of the Law.  Jesus is circumcised, named, and dedicated to the Lord.  Simeon and Anna, by the power of the Holy Spirit, announce the truth of this Child's identity.. "For my eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, A Light of Revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel." 

 As time passed we are told that Jesus "continued to grow and become strong increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him."  When He was 12 He went up to Jerusalem with His family and stayed behind in the temple speaking with the teachers there.  When Mary and Joseph came back to find Him, His testimony was this, "Did you not know that I had to be in My Father's house?"  Again, Mary had to ponder these things.. not fully understanding.. but treasuring "all these things in her heart." 

This is the Good News of Christmas.. Christ the Lord was born for "all peoples".  He came to bring salvation. He came to bring Light into the darkness.  He came to bring us to the Father.  Glory to God in the highest!

Father in heaven, we hear the testimony of the angels.. of the shepherds, and of Simeon and Anna.  We take these words into our hearts and treasure them, just like Mary did. We have come to know this wonderful Truth.. Jesus Christ is Lord!  Thank You. Fill our hearts with joy! May we grow in confidence and understanding of Your Holy Word as we ponder these things in our hearts today and through this Christmas season.  Amen.