Sunday, December 26, 2010

The Promise of His Coming (26)

Yesterday we thought about the contrast between mighty Caesar and Almighty Jesus, who lay in a manger. Today we continue to see the Christmas contrasts, as the angels announce the very special birth.

If a royal baby is born these days (perhaps if the Lord is gracious to William and Kate after they're married), there's a tremendous fuss. The world's media will assemble, 24hour news will be full of it, the heads of state of the nations of the world will be informed and invited to see the baby.

When the King of Kings is born, though, the media don't know about it. The king of the region will only find out at least a year later. Caesar is unaware of what is happening. The news is first told to a rugged (or ragged) bunch of shepherds out in the fields. Because of the amount of time they spent with their sheep, they were ceremonially unclean, outsiders, one of the lowest groups in society.

It's the shepherds, perhaps even tending the sheep to be used in sacrifice at the temple, that God sends the angels. It's an amazing message:

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."
(Luke 2:10-12)

The Christ has been born, the long promised king, which is good news of great joy for all the people. May you know this joy this Christmas time.

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