DAILY READING Luke 2:1-14
REFLECTION
Born to You
By Pam Mann
Don’t you wonder why Mary’s family allowed her to travel in her condition? Was no one looking out for her well-being and her child's? Was Joseph, who nearly divorced her the only one to protect her? Did Joseph and Mary think they could get to Bethlehem and back before her labor began? Did they underestimate how long and hard the journey would be? Did they not anticipate how packed every inn would be when they finally dragged themselves into town?
How did the situation get so iffy and unplanned for the long-awaited Messiah? Maybe Joseph and Mary were wondering if God was paying attention to the details of the Savior’s arrival. OR… did they know the ancient prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem? Did they see God moving all David’s descendants in order to fulfill what the prophet spoke? Well, sure enough, in Bethlehem the baby Messiah was born! Then, while Mary was busy managing her tough situation, unsuspecting shepherds were about to also encounter the wonder of God moving among them.
Imagine what a tough job these shepherds had. They had to count sheep and yet not fall asleep! Did they lead their flock toward Bethlehem to sell during the big census? Were their heads filled with what prices to charge, and which sheep would bring the best profit? Certainly,
they were not expecting a messenger from God in shining glory to appear with good news. How could these mortified shepherds even take in what this luminous creature was saying?
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Shouldn’t this news be addressed to King Herod rather than to these ordinary Joes? Is the long-awaited Christ, the Messiah, really meant for ordinary common people? Is this Savior somehow coming to shepherds as much as to the power holders in high places?
“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Okay, that’s weird. Who puts a baby in a feed box? Especially the baby who is the Messiah? But the shepherds already knew this was one extraordinary night. Well, guys, if you find a baby in a manger, you know you’ve found the Christ child.
The shepherds had likely yet to adjust to encountering a solitary heavenly being when the sky was filled with an entire heavenly host praising God. What was that they said? Peace?
“On earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Was this extraordinary blessing delivered with so much drama meant for ordinary folks? Yes! Really? For folks like Mary, Joseph, shepherds, and us? Yes! A Savior has been born to YOU!
Wow. Talk about good news that will cause great joy for all the people!
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we join the heavenly host in praising You for this extraordinary gift to ordinary people. We worship You as Master of the entire universe and of each tiny detail. Open our hearts and minds today to this amazing blessing of Your provision and peace. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
PAM MANN
I first joined UALC when my husband (then my fiancé) and I were college students involved in youth ministry. God has used UALC to nurture our family’s faith, even in our years outside the U.S. I’ve participated in UALC ministries with kids, art, prayer, exercise, ESL, and Bible teaching. I do all the fun church things.
I laughed out loud for real...counting sheep and not falling asleep. Hahahaha....and ditto to the other comments. JOY TO THE WORLD
Your take on this blessed event, and all the questions you asked, are so real. You brought a wonderful, new perspective to the birth of our Savior. Wow! What a blessing to be a part of this story. I am full of joy!
I absolutely love this! Imagine, a Heavenly King entering the world to be with us...so that we could be with Him Forever. Just imagine...love so amazing, so divine.