The Light Has Come
1. Shepherds (Luke 2:8-20)
The glory of the Lord had not been witnessed for over 400 years on the earth, but it literally pierced the darkness that night! What was the message from the angel? For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Unto who? The angel was speaking to the shepherds. Not only was it unusual for an angel to appear with a message, it was unusual that the message was directed toward the lowliest of people.
Listen to the incredible description of the baby born in Bethlehem...
– He was a Savior who is God’s anointed and is the supernatural master over all. Note that He would not become a Savior, He was the Savior.
Using the title “Christ” (also interpreted as Messiah), the angel proclaimed the fulfillment of the long awaited prophecies. Using the position of “Lord”, the angel affirmed this child was divine. Further the angel’s message declared the Savior, Messiah and Lord was born for the Shepherd’s, the Jew’s and for all the people.
While the lineage of Jesus was critical in the fulfillment of prophecy – there is no specific lineage for which Jesus came.
This is good news of great joy! There is no one excluded from the invitation for salvation.
Because of the decree of Caesar Augustus, the little town of Bethlehem was bursting in population. While it was an inconvenience for those who had to travel to Bethlehem, the census caused those in the line of David to be in Bethlehem, which fulfilled the prophecies of Isaiah, Micah and the angel.
The angel told the shepherds there would be a sign for them – the baby would be wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Finding a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes would not be difficult – but it would not be normal to a find a baby lying in a feeding trough.
Do you hear the expectation? “You will find”. This is the expected response to the Good News.
The Shepherds immediately left for Bethlehem. Why? Because they recognized this message was from the Lord. Then, After finding the child, they proclaimed what had been told them. And all who heard it were amazed.
These were the first evangelists sharing the Good News!
The shepherds had yet another response. They returned, glorifying and praising the Lord. When you hear the message of the Lord and experience Him as Lord and Savior – your response will be to glorify and praise Him As well.
What does that mean?
To glorify is to bring honor to His name as you live in obedience to Him as your Lord.
To praise Him is to acknowledge and speak of His character.
2. Simeon (Luke 2:25-35)
Simeon was described as righteous and devout. Notice that he was not described as religious, but righteous. His heart was burdened for his people, but his faith was completely upon the Lord and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
Simeon had this confidence – the Messiah would come before he died. Imagine his expectation each morning – this could be the day! I will look, I will listen and I will search for the Messiah!
We, too, should live with that kind of expectation.
God tells us today – “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
Eight days following His birth, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to present Him to the Lord. The Holy Spirit confirmed to Simeon this child was the promised Christ – and Simeon blessed God by proclaiming the light and glory of the Lord’s salvation.
Mary and Joseph encountered angels, have been the recipient of miracles, and witnessed the shepherds proclaiming He is Christ the Lord. Now, the man in the temple proclaimed Jesus to be God’s salvation. Mary and Joseph marveled at what was said.
Simeon also spoke to Mary about the coming days. Jesus would bring salvation to the humble and judgment to the prideful. Though He was the sign from God and fulfillment of the prophecies of old, He would be rejected by those He came to save. Through Him, our true nature would be revealed.
More personally for Mary, her spirit would be pierced upon witnessing her son’s brutal treatment and crucifixion.
3. Anna (Luke 2:36-38)
She was at the temple daily, fasting and praying, for at least 6 decades! At the hour Simeon was blessing God for the arrival of God’s salvation, Anna entered the temple just like she did every day previously – but today was different! Having spent time in the presence of the Lord, she recognized and affirmed what was being said about this child.
She began giving thanks to God.
As we move from living in the darkness without hope, to experiencing the light of the world as our living hope - We, too, must respond with gratitude and humility.
Lastly, Anna spoke of Him to all who were waiting for the Messiah!
The shepherds, Simeon and Anna all had a response. There was good news of great joy for all people and they could not be silent! They responded in obedience, praise and thanksgiving. But they all spoke of the Lord and what He had done.
Today, we still have good news of great joy! The Savior has been born unto us and He is Christ the Lord. He has come to offer redemption to the world. He assumed our punishment that we may assume His righteousness and be brought back into a right relationship with God.He has delivered us into the light!
As you and I find ourselves in this traditional time of celebration for the birth of Jesus, let us see Him rightly as Savior and know Him as Lord. Further, let us proclaim the Lord’s salvation to those are still without hope!
We remain - not for the purpose of waiting to go to Heaven, but to continue proclaiming the Good News that others may know Him!
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