It is Christmas morning and there is quiet in my world. My silent contemplation is interrupted only by the sounds of the coffee pot and my dogs playfully celebrating a new day. The tree is lit with its many twinkling lights. Cyn is still trying to become fully awake or fully asleep amongst the flannel sheets. I have been awakened by the need to share the message that the Holy Spirit implanted in my head before the first light of dawn, way before my eyes were open. When one is trying to live a disciple’s life I guess one does not get to choose the hour that Divine inspiration will strike. However, I thank God that the inspiration does strike. My gift this morning, one I would like to share with you, nay, I must share with you, is part of the amazing beauty of the Savior in a stable.
The Gospel According to Luke
At Christmas Eve service in Anglican Churches everywhere our readings centered around the appearance of the Christ child. So many of us have heard it so often we can recite it from memory. The words of St. Luke are always beautiful in their depiction of the arrival of Jesus.
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 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.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
Luke 2: 8-14 (ESV)
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Here Comes the Revelation
Can you imagine how this must have appeared to the shepherds? Here they were, hanging out quietly on a hillside, tending their flocks when the serenity all around them exploded with a multitude of Angels. But, I believe the most important part of this passage lies not in the Heavenly Host but to whom the message was delivered and then, the message inside the message.
The angels did not appear to anyone remotely considered to be upper crust. In fact, shepherds were amongst the lowest class of people in those days. They were, by their occupation, probably dirty and shall I say a bit on the aromatic side. Shepherds were probably the least educated and crude in the social graces of the time. Yet, God chose them for the big reveal! Equally amazing was the fact that the Savior of mankind was not born into royalty. He didn’t even come into a family with money and great status. The Christ, the King of Kings, the Savior of all mankind was brought into this world in a stable and laid in a food trough! I can’t imagine a less kingly setting.
The Message in The Message
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The Hope of all mankind, the long awaited Immanuel (God with us) came into this world in such low estate and was revealed to the lowest class of men to bring salvation to every man and woman on earth. Christ’s birth was an intentional work of God’s amazing mercy, given to any and all. One needn’t climb a ladder to reach the Babe. No fortune and no status was required. God’s love was within easy reach. O come all ye faithful. O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. The Savior in a stable is God’s greatest gift, given to all!
Most merciful God, we give you thanks for the greatest gift of all. May we always rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ, remembering that He was sent to save us all. Help us to rejoice in Him and not let the commercialization of Christmas confuse the reason that we celebrate. We praise you for sending Hope and Peace into this world. We pray in the name of Jesus, Your most beloved Son. Amen.
Merry Christmas!
