Christmas Responses
12.21.22
Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift. (2 Corinthians 9:15)
Let us cast our minds back to that first Christmas long ago. As we ponder that event we remember that people responded to the birth of the baby in different ways. Let us consider some different ways that people reacted to that wonderful event.
King Herod was on the throne of Judea at the behest of the Roman Emperor. Now he heard a prophecy predicting that another king would be born to take his place. You can well imagine that he was not overjoyed. He was afraid, but he put on a happy face. He asked the wise men to inquire for him when the child would be born. He set in motion events that would result in the death of many young boys. Jesus was spared by the grace of God, but the wailing of the Jewish mothers can be heard down through the ages. The response of Herod was to go to war against the child. Unfortunately, many in our world maintain that attitude. As absurd as it may seem, many would prefer a Christ-less Christmas.
We next look at Joseph. He and Mary were engaged (espoused) to be married. They had kept themselves for each other. Joseph anticipated the joy of being a husband to his sweet bride and eventually being a father. Then he got the angelic news: Mary was going to have a son and he was not the father. Furthermore, he was to still take Mary as his wife, for the child was a product of the Holy Spirit. He was troubled by the message but he did not falter in doing what he was asked. In spite of his questions, he obeyed God. No doubt he was chosen to be the earthly father of the Son of God for just this reason. His reaction was to walk, to follow and obey God without question. He took Mary to be his wife, traveled to Bethlehem, and fled to Egypt, all in quiet obedience to God. God continues to desire such obedience.
The Wise Men had followed a star to find the child. We do not know exactly from where they came or how many there were, but we do know their response. When they eventually found the infant, they bowed down and worshipped him. They gave Him costly gifts. Jesus is worthy, and only He deserves worship! All humanity will bow before Him one day, either in this life or the next, either willingly, or by coercion.
The Shepherds were watching their sheep. No doubt, it was lambing time, which would have been in the spring of the year. These humble men were doing their job when an angelic chorus appeared to them. They were afraid, and rightly so! The angels explained that Jesus had been born nearby and that they were to go and see the child. Their response was prompt obedience. Furthermore, they went forth and shared this good news to all who would listen. God desires that all who have found forgiveness, peace and joy in Christ witness to what He has done for them.
When we think of Mary, we see a precious young lady whom God chose to be the human mother of the baby Jesus. We are told that Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Her pondering does not reflect a lack of faith. Rather, it speaks of the wonder of the birth of the Savior. The angelic visits, the virgin birth, the travel—all of this was overwhelming to a young bride and mother.
Perhaps, like Mary, you have pondered the birth of Christ. Have you come to a decision? Let this Christmas time be the time of your new birth. Turn from your sin and bow your heart to Jesus Christ. He is God’s “unspeakable gift,” and you can receive this amazing gift today by faith!