SCRIPTURE: LUKE 2
THE BIRTH OF JESUS (vs. 1-7)
Caesar Augustus issued a decree to take a census of the entire Roman World. So everyone went to his own town to register. Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there with Mary who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the baby was born. She wrapped him in clothes and placed him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.
THE SHEPHERDS AND THE ANGELS (v s. 5-20)
There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (vs. 10-12)
Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising god and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (v. 14). When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened” (v. 15) So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen.
JESUS PRESENTED IN THE TEMPLE (vs. 21-41)
Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day at the temple. When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons”
There was a man called Simeon who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him., It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel” (vs. 29-32)
Joseph and Mary marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to many, “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (vs. 34-35)
There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was married for 7 years and became a widow until she was eighty four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. She gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. When Joseph and May had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
THE BOY JESUS AT THE TEMPLE (vs. 41-52)
Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. When Jesus was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast. After the Feast was over, his parents returned home while Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day, then they began looking for him and their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days, they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this. Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” (v. 48). “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (v. 49). But they did note understand what he was saying to them. Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
THOUGHTS:
Joseph and Mary were both descendants of David which was prophesised that the Messiah would be born in David’s royal line. When the angels announced to the shepherds about Jesus’ birth, the shepherds were terrified. But their fear turned to joy. They ran to see the baby, then they spread the good news. Now that you know Christ is the Messiah, do you communicate with Him through prayer and in His Word each day? Have you shared this wonderful Savior to your friends?
Simeon and Anna were very old but they had never lost their hope that they would see the Messiah. Led by the Holy Spirit, they were among the first to bear witness to Jesus.
Ceremonies that the Jewish families went through after a baby’s birth: (From Life Application Study Bible Published by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.)
- Circumcision – Every boy was circumcised and named on the eighth day after birth. Circumcision symbolized the Jews’ separation from Gentiles and their unique relationship with God.
- Redemption of the firstborn A firstborn son was presented to God one month after birth. The ceremony included buying back – “redeeming” – the child from God through an offering.
- Purification of the mother – For 40 days after the birth of a son and 80 days after the birth of a daughter, the mother was ceremonially unclean and could not enter the Temple. at the end of her time of separation, the parents were to bring a lamb for a burnt offering and a dove or pigeon for a sin offering. The priest would sacrifice these animals and declare her to be clean. If a lamb was too expensive, the parents could bring a second dove or pigeon instead.
Jesus remained at the Temple to listen and ask probing questions. His wisdom had astounded the teachers. When Jesus mentioned His Father’s house, his parents did not understand what he meant. They did not realize he was making a distinction between his earthly father and his heavenly Father. Jesus knew that he had a unique relationship with God.