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Christmas

Incarnation

Luke 2:6-7

We do not know how long Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus, but it was during their stay that God the Son was revealed in a human body, born as a baby. They may well have stayed in the city for a longer time after the birth. Matthew 2:11 says they were in a house, and Herod's discussion with the Magi led him to kill all the boys in Bethlehem who were two years old or younger. So they could have been living there for a year or so before their evacuation as refugees to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15).

Fear In The Face Of Glory

Luke 2:8-10

Anything abnormal or unexpected will cause a reaction. News of a wedding or examination success may bring joy and smiles; news of a death or failure may prompt tears. The essence of a joke is that the ending is unexpected, and the twist in thinking should launch laughter. The more an event or announcement is unexpected - the greater the response. Fear is a whole-body, physiological reaction to a personal threat for which a resolution cannot be immediately seen: and terror is uncontrolled fear.

Globally Personal

Luke 2:11-12

The Saviour of the world had been born. His incarnation was so significant that God sent an angel to announce the birth to shepherds. The previous verse records that the Messiah's arrival was good news for every people-group; now unsophisticated farm workers are told that Jesus has been born to them personally and they were instructed to go to meet Him. They were not dressed for a royal visit, so perhaps they were reassured that there was no need to change their clothes, when they knew that they were looking for a swaddled baby, lying where the animals were fed.

Glory And Peace

Luke 2:13-14

After the angel's appearance to the shepherds, announcing the birth of Jesus, many other angels joined in the chorus. Their task was to proclaim the glory of God in sending His Son to bring peace to human beings. The angels were expressing their own joy as well as their duty: never before had the Creator lived in a human body among His creation, with the purpose of saving them from their own sins (Luke 15:7).

Rapid Response

Luke 2:15-18

Decisions are at the core of any business. Generally, the more difficult, complex or risky the decision, the more people are paid. Decisions are made by evaluating the nature of the issue and possible options in the light of surrounding circumstances and past experience: then rejecting all but one option, being willing to risk one's assets and reputation on the outcome. However, shepherding is not a highly paid job! Yet, they made a decision to leave their sheep and look for Jesus.

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