A Response to Christmas
Excitement and anticipation are two typical responses to Christmas. It is the excitement of exchanging gifts between loved ones, usually getting the latest in toys and electronics, as well as the anticipation of having some time off work as the New Year approaches. I wonder how many of us have these same responses. I can remember as a kid loving this time of year, and I’m sure each one of us has a special memory of Christmas from our childhood. We each responded in our own special way.
The response to Christmas in Luke 2 is also typical. Yes, there is excitement and anticipation within the story. However, it is the events and characters (e.g., appearing of the angel before the shepherds) that precipitate these responses that is anything but typical. Throughout this story (Lk. 2:8-20) we will learn of two responses to the birth of Jesus that serve as prominent features: the Shepherd’s response (v. 15) and Mary’s response (v. 19).
The Background to Luke 2:8-20
A Roman census (registration) was taken to aid in tax collection (2:1-2). Therefore, all returned to their own towns to register (2:3-5). Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem, a journey of about 70 or 80 miles (don’t forget, they journeyed on foot and while Mary was pregnant—not an easy journey I’m sure).
Luke recorded the Christmas story (2:6-7): no trees or lights, no presents under the tree, no holiday meal with family; just a manger and animals and a too-crowded inn. These inns would likely have been either the second story of a house that kept animals below or a one-story building with a stable next to it. Considering the number of travelers flocking to various cities during the time of this census, it isn’t surprising that there was no room in the inn.
At some time, while in Bethlehem, Jesus was born. Mary laid him in a manger, an animal’s feeding trough. Despite popular Christmas card pictures, the surroundings were dark and dirty. Everything pointed to obscurity, poverty, and even rejection.
The Setting (2:8)
“There were shepherds living in the fields . . . and watching over their flock”
It is quite interesting that God reveals the good news of his Son’s birth first, to the shepherds. They were considered the outcasts, the humble and lowly; they are an everyday group. Some would even say that they were “last” on the social list. So, Luke begins this part of his story about Jesus with quite a contrast. In the next verse, angels represent the testimony of the heavens as exalted beings coming to humankind. This probably isn’t what we would expect or how we would have necessarily introduced the Son of God to the world.
First Occasion (2:9-12)
“And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them”
This was a sudden appearance of a bright light that broke through the darkness. And it was the radiance of the Lord’s glory that surrounded them. “Glory” refers to the majesty and splendor accompanying God’s presence. The shepherds have just been visited by God! Can you imagine? One night while minding your own business watching over your sheep, and then a bright light appeared from the sky. As a result, they were terrified.
But the angel quickly encouraged the shepherds and commanded them not to be afraid (2:10). Luke makes clear that it is at this unique time that God wishes to interact with His creation because He wants to announce good news to them. It is the shepherd’s great fear that will be overcome by great joy, excitement. Christ, the Messiah is here, the one who will deliver the people from their sin. Mankind has nothing to fear when God moves in grace.
“Today a Savior has been born [for] you”
A birth has taken place that will benefit mankind and reflects the call of Jesus as a deliverer for His people, a rescue or delivery from peril, both its physical and spiritual senses. Jesus brings salvation to the nation. He is the anointed one. He is set apart for the special purpose in which God had set. God had now arrived in human form!
The angel expected the shepherds to go looking, therefore presents the details so that they know what to look for (“You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes,”). Not only would this help the shepherds find the right baby, but it would also confirm the truth of the angel’s words. While there might be other newborn babies in Bethlehem wrapped in strips of cloth, there would only be one “lying in a feeding trough.” Luke presents another contrast—this baby, even though He is Jesus, the Savior, the Son of God, is not in a palace; but rather He is in a poor stable having been birthed to a poor couple.
Second Occasion (2:13-14) –
“And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host”
As if the announcement in verse 12 was not enough, a heavenly choir suddenly began praising God, giving him honor for what is taking place (v. 13). The arrival of God’s Son on earth causes an anthem of praise. Their focus is the ascription of praise to the One who set these events in motion, the One who controls all events on earth. He is in the highest heaven and is sending peace.
This peace is a peace that only the Son of God can bring, it is not peace after war or conflict, but peace between sinful humanity and the Holy God. It is a peace that refers to God’s divine favor in His gracious visitation of humans.
In summary, Luke records two occasions: (1) the angel of the Lord reveals the birth of the Savior; and as a result, (2) the armies of heaven began to praise God because the people to whom God draws near through Jesus will experience the harmony and benefits that God bestows on His own.
So, what is the outcome of this story (vv. 8-14)? Two responses to the birth of Jesus.
Outcome (2:15-20)
“The shepherds began saying to one another, let us now go” [response one]
This response is similar to when someone today says, “Let’s go! What are we doing still standing here?” As a reader of this story, we must keep in mind that they do not go in order to believe, but because they believe. They hurried along, and as a result, they find Jesus! The angel of the Lord told them the truth! God is faithful, he kept his word!
The shepherd’s share their story (v. 17) with those who are in the inn and maybe even the town itself. Basically, what the angels announced from heaven is what the shepherds testified from earth. The shepherds cannot contain themselves from testifying what God has done in making Jesus’ presence evident to them.
The people who heard the story were filled with wonder; they were astonished (v. 18). This is the One who will fulfill the prophecy, He is the Messiah! The long-awaited deliverer, He is now here. The shepherds’ report caused a stir, but is it possible that it could have missed their hearts? There is not an on-going meditation like Mary (v. 19); there is not a reflection upon what was said.
“But Mary treasured all these things,” [response two]
She treasured them with a deep reflection by keeping them in mind and storing them up in her heart. You could say that she was mulling them over, seeking to understand and interpret; it is a contemplation that attempts to put thoughts together into an understandable whole.
Although the crowds marveled at the news, Mary’s personal response is one of ongoing reflection. You see, Mary had a lot to think about as she looked into her baby’s face. The angel of the Lord told her that the little boy would reign forever (1:31-33), he will be the savior, he is Christ the Lord.
The shepherds depart, glorifying God (v. 20). All they heard, had also come to pass. They glorified God and were privileged to witness the start of God’s work in Jesus and felt honored to share in the event.
We have an opportunity to reflect one of the responses illustrated in Luke’s story:
(1) The shepherd’s response: If you are privileged to hear the message, go tell someone about it. Isn’t that what the shepherds did?
We should follow where God leads with His grace and testify to His direction in our lives. When God guides us through trials, a vocational crossroads or a decision involving a mate, our future or our children, we should be prepared to speak about how God has impacted our lives. Are you praising and glorifying God?
(2) Mary’s response: If you have been privileged to hear the message, then store the details in your heart and think about them carefully. Jesus brings salvation, eternal life, reconciliation, etc.
We too should contemplate and carefully think through what it is that God has done for us. God is in control of these events; God’s Word came to pass just as He promised. The note to Luke’s readers is this: God can be trusted!
So, I ask you today, “What is your response to Christmas?”
