Class Lesson December 29, 2018

THE FULL PICTURE OF CHRISTMAS

Isaiah's Prophecy

“The LORD will lay bare His holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.” - Isaiah 52:10

Lesson # 5

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE

More and more people are buying 3D printers. Far beyond the way old-school printers reproduce words on paper using ink, 3D printers create objects in myriad shapes from various materials. But what if a 3D printer could be used to reproduce, say, a human liver? Researchers are already looking into the possibility. Instead of stacking successive layers of some material to create an object, a “bioprinter” would use a person’s own cell tissue to construct living tissue. In the future, you could receive a transplantable organ with no risk of rejection.

Far-fetched? Just think how far-fetched a 3D printer once sounded. Or walking around with a hand-held device with a camera, phone, and more computing power than NASA had for the moon landings. We have seen these amazing things in our own lifetimes. 

The Jewish people had waited for centuries for the Messiah. God had promised He was coming through the prophets, but would it happen in their lifetime? One man in the Bible knew the answer. We don’t know a lot about him, but we know this one thing: he knew he would see the Messiah before he died.

THE POINT

We have a sure hope when we trust in Jesus.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Luke 2:25-27

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 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 wanted to do one thing before he died. In fact, we know of only one thing on Simeon’s “bucket list.” Simeon had waited his whole life for this one thing, and it was definitely something worth waiting for. Simeon’s desire was to behold the promised Messiah who would come to save us from our sins. 

Many often assume that Simeon was an older man because of the Holy Spirit’s promise “that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah,” but we just don’t know. The Scripture gives no hint to his age, but Luke did note three revealing characteristics.

1. He was righteous and devout. The word righteous simply means right living. Most people let sin run their lives; Simeon’s life, however, was defined by doing the right thing. Devout means reverent and faithful. It implies that Simeon lived with great respect for God in all he did.                                                                                                                                          
2. Waiting for the Messiah. This righteous and devout man was “waiting for the consolation of Israel.” Israel’s consolation centered in a hope for a Messiah who would bring comfort to the weary souls of Israel. This consolation does not include the erroneous notion of a political messiah, but the messianic hope expressed by the prophet Isaiah. “In that day they will say, ‘Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation’” (Isa. 25:9).                                                                                                                                                          
3. Full of the Holy Spirit. Prior to the coming of the Holy Spirit on all believers in Acts 2, people experienced the Holy Spirit’s work in different ways. Luke had already told us that Simeon sought to live right and was wholly devoted to God, so his heart would have been receptive to the Spirit’s work in him.

What are some ways the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives?

Just as the Spirit promised Simeon he would see the Messiah, now he was “moved by the Spirit” to enter the temple at just the right moment. We don’t know how Simeon recognized the infant as the Messiah, but we can assume the same Holy Spirit who guided him there opened his eyes to who was in front of him. 

During a certain period in Israel’s history, “the people were waiting expectantly” regarding the coming Messiah (Luke 3:15). Messianic expectations were running high, yet only a small number of people realized Jesus was the fulfillment of the prophecies. But Simeon knew—and he could do nothing less than praise God. 

Luke 2:28-32

28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” 

We might wonder what Simeon felt when he held Jesus. In those moments, the Lord’s servant held what he had anticipated his whole life. We may not know just what he felt, but we know what he said. 

Verses 29-32 are commonly referred to as Simeon’s Psalm. It is a touching expression of Simeon’s faith in God. His praise is the right response to the grace God was pouring into Simeon’s life.

What does Simeon’s statement of praise teach us about God’s mission?

Simeon prefaced his praise with a request: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.” We’ve all heard people say things like, “I could die happy if I could just ….” Simeon was not being flippant in that way; instead, his words carry the tone of a slave being set free. It was his farewell to the world.

Simeon now saw “consolation of Israel” (v. 25), and his response calls to mind a similar proclamation Isaiah the prophet made eight hundred years earlier: “The LORD will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God” (Isa. 52:10). God’s salvation is for every nation, tongue, and tribe—both Jews and Gentiles. God’s global purpose is to draw all people to Him: “A great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb” (Rev. 7:9).

Simeon’s proclamation might have shocked other Jews in the temple that day. The Jews were proud of their status as God’s chosen people. They saw the Messiah as their deliverer. They assumed He would establish their kingdom, which would then rule over the Gentiles. The truth that God’s salvation included the Gentiles ran counter to their preconceptions and prejudices.

At that point, Simeon saw what others did not—salvation was not limited to one nation—so his words could also be viewed as a missionary hymn. The mission of the Messiah was to bring us all to God, and for that we can be eternally thankful.

Luke 2:33-35

33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 

How does Jesus cause people to “fall and rise”?

Joseph and Mary were surely amazed with their child. They already knew Jesus was special, but the words Simeon spoke were most likely hard for them to understand. Simeon highlighted three things that would result from the life of Jesus. 

• Jesus would impact people’s destiny. “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel.” This phrase has to do with how we respond to the Messiah. People can be divided into two groups: Those who rise (individuals who accept Christ by faith, are lifted out of their sin, and enter heaven) and those who fall (people who reject Christ, remain in their unbelief, and fall into eternal punishment). These consequences would reveal what people thought about Mary’s son. 

• Jesus would be opposed. This term refers not only to the verbal insults Christ would endure during His life and death, but also to the people’s hatred and rejection. Jesus would be “a sign” from God that many would reject. 

• Jesus would reveal our thoughts. Through Christ’s ministry, teaching, and presence, the thoughts of many hearts were revealed—and still are today. Christ exposes us as we truly are. It’s natural to run from someone who will expose us. We don’t want our deeds to be found out. Humanity’s rejection of the Messiah would reveal the wicked state of our heart. 

On the other hand, when our thoughts are revealed, our sins are exposed. When we confess them, Jesus forgives. When we trust Him, Jesus changes our eternal destiny. We truly have a sure hope when we trust in Jesus.

What are some ways we can be prepared to respond to those who oppose Jesus today?

THE POINT 

We have a sure hope when we trust in Jesus.

LIVE IT OUT

We can have a sure hope in Christ. To nurture that hope, choose one of these applications.

• Praise. Simeon’s first response to the Messiah was praise. Specifically, Simeon praised God for His salvation. Spend time praising God for His grace, mercy, and salvation.                                                                                                              
• Wait. Jesus’ salvation brings freedom and joy; however, we must still live in a fallen world until we are with Him in heaven. The hard thing about waiting is that it involves patience. Memorize Psalm 27:14: “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”                                                                       
• Go. Simeon’s words reflected a global view of Christ’s salvation. Talk with your church leaders about opportunities to get involved in taking the gospel to the world: praying, giving, or a short-term or long-term missions involvement. 

None of us knows for sure how long we have left on this earth. But we do know that we have a sure hope when we trust in Jesus. And we have a responsibility to share that hope with others.

Hope to see everyone when we gather this Sunday in church!

In His Love,

David & Susan

Teacher Notes:

Peace and hope are often associated with Christmas, even among those who do not celebrate Christmas as a Christ-centered holiday. For many, the one-two punch of Christmas and New Year’s give people the sense of a fresh start and a hope for a better future. But those hopes often dissipate as the holiday festivities fade. Jesus didn’t come to give us a seasonal hope, but eternal hope. That hope comes because of the salvation He offers.

The Passage

Luke 2:25-35

More and more people are buying 3D printers. Far beyond the way old-school printers reproduce words on paper using ink, 3D printers create objects in myriad shapes from various materials. But what if a 3D printer could be used to reproduce, say, a human liver? Researchers are already looking into the possibility. Instead of stacking successive layers of some material to create an object, a “bioprinter” would use a person’s own cell tissue to construct living tissue. In the future, you could receive a transplantable organ with no risk of rejection. Far-fetched? Just think how far-fetched a 3D printer once sounded. Or walking around with a hand-held device with a camera, phone, and more computing power than NASA had for the moon landings. We have seen these amazing things in our own lifetimes. The Jewish people had waited for centuries for the Messiah. God had promised He was coming through the prophets, but would it happen in their lifetime? One man in the Bible knew the answer. We don’t know a lot about him, but we know this one thing: he knew he would see the Messiah before he died.

The Setting: After the birth of Jesus, shepherds came to worship Him, and Mary pondered all that had happened since the angel first visited her. She made preparations with Joseph for a special day in the life of her child. Eight days after birth the child would be circumcised and named (see Luke 2:21-24), and they would make an offering for Mary’s purification rite from childbirth. These events would have been great in themselves, but a surprise awaited them.

Luke 2:25-35

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.  It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.  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 may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.  Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “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.”

Consolation of Israel - (2:25)—Another way to refer to the coming of the Messiah.

 “HOPE” 

What are you most looking forward to in the new year?

How have your hopes and dreams changed as you’ve gotten older?

Luke 2:25-27

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 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,

The Scripture gives no hint to Simeon’s age, but Luke did note three revealing characteristics. 

• He was righteous and devout. The word righteous simply means right living. Most people let sin run their lives; Simeon’s life, however, was defined by doing the right thing. Devout means reverent and faithful. It implies that Simeon lived with great respect for God in all he did.
• Waiting for the Messiah. This righteous and devout man was “waiting for the consolation of Israel.” Israel’s consolation centered in a hope for a Messiah who would bring comfort to the weary souls of Israel.
• Full of the Holy Spirit. Prior to the coming of the Holy Spirit on all believers in Acts 2, people experienced the Holy Spirit’s work in different ways. Luke had already told us that Simeon sought to live right and was wholly devoted to God, so his heart would have been receptive to the Spirit’s work in him.

What spiritual characteristics are attributed to Simeon? What revelation had he received from the Holy Spirit? How do you think Simeon’s personal spiritual attributes prepared him for what he experienced? What indicates Simeon’s encounter with Mary, Joseph, and the child Jesus was not an accident and more than a coincidence?

What are some ways the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives?

How was the Holy Spirit active in Simeon’s life?

How does Jesus influence the way you see and approach the future?

In what ways is Simeon an example for us?

Luke 2:25-27 Commentary understand the Holy Spirit’s work in Simeon’s life.

[Verse 25] Mary and Joseph arrived at the temple to circumcise and name their baby. The text introduces a man in Jerusalem. It does not associate him with a religious party or call him a priest. Simeon was his name. Apart from this text, we know nothing else about him. The text describes Simeon with two-character qualities. First, he was righteous. This was the same characteristic that described Zechariah and Elizabeth (see Luke 1:6) and Joseph. (See Matt. 1:19.) Simeon was committed to the ways of God. Second, Simeon was devout. This word was only used by Luke in the New Testament. (See Acts 2:5; 8:2; 22:12.) Simeon was looking forward to the consolation of Israel. This referred to the peace the coming Messiah would bring. Simeon knew prophecies of the coming Messiah, and he waited in expectation that they would be fulfilled in his lifetime. One final characteristic of Simeon was that the Holy Spirit was on him. Prior to Pentecost the Holy Spirit would come upon a few selected people to fulfill a task. (See Num. 24:2; 1 Sam. 10:10; 16:13.) After Pentecost the Holy Spirit would fill every believer. (See Eph. 1:13-14.) The Holy Spirit was on Simeon. [Verse 26] The Holy Spirit had delivered a message to Simeon. He would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Though many imagine Simeon as an old man, his age is not given. He did state he could die in peace after seeing the infant Jesus. (See Luke 2:29.) Seeing Jesus was important, but the most important part was that when he saw Jesus he was called to prophesy about the child. (See vv. 29-32.) Lord’s Messiah literally refers to the Anointed One of the Lord. This was the Messianic figure God promised would come and bring hope to Israel. The hope Jesus brought fueled Simon’s expectations and desires to see Him.

[Verse 27] Since the Holy Spirit was on Simeon (see v. 25), and since the Spirit had revealed to him that he would remain alive until the Messiah came, it should be no surprise Simeon was guided by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit had Simeon at the right place at the right time to encounter Jesus the Messiah. How many people passed Jesus and His parents that day with no recognition? The Holy Spirit made the difference in recognizing Jesus. He guided Simeon as he entered the temple. Mary and Joseph had gone to make their offering of purification for Mary after her childbirth. (See vv. 22-24.) Luke referred to both Mary and Joseph as Jesus’ parents. Joseph had determined to marry his betrothed wife and raise her child as his own, a task that began with naming and dedicating the child in the temple. The temple court was not the inner sanctuary where the holy place was located. It was the outer court where the couple could conduct the customary sacrifice. Two offerings would have been made for Mary after childbirth (see Lev. 12:6-8), a burnt offering and a sin offering. Normally the offering would have been a lamb and a dove, but Joseph and Mary obviously came from a humble state and offered either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. (See Luke 2:24.)

What are some promises we look forward to God fulfilling?

I. Because of Jesus, we can look forward in hope.

• Individuals who commit themselves to the ways of the Lord can expect to be blessed by Him.
• Spiritual truth comes as a revelation from the Spirit; we are not smart enough to figure it out for ourselves.
• The Lord is always at work to bring comfort, relief, and deliverance to His people during times of great trial and tribulation. 
• Because of Jesus, we can look forward in hope at all times.

Luke 2:28-32

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

RECAP: At that point, Simeon saw what others did not—salvation was not limited to one nation—so his words could also be viewed as a missionary hymn. The mission of the Messiah was to bring us all to God, and for that we can be eternally thankful.

Simeon felt his life was fulfilled when he encountered the Messiah. In what ways has your encounter with Jesus brought you similar satisfaction?

Luke 2:28-32 Commentary understand the prophecy contained in Simeon’s song.

[Verse 28] Simeon’s response upon seeing Jesus was that he took him in his arms. Simeon rejoiced that God had kept His promise to allow him to see Jesus with his own eyes. Like a priest, he took the child in his arms and began to pronounce a blessing over Him. Simeon also praised God. The Greek word is made up of two parts. The first part means good, and the second part means word. Put together, it means to speak a good word. Simeon’s blessing of Jesus was an act of worship on his part. It also turned out to be a prophetic word about Him. [Verse 29] The song or blessing begins with a word of relief—now (though English versions often do not put this word first). Simeon had awaited the coming of the Messiah, and it had finally happened. He addressed God with the term Sovereign Lord from the Greek word for despot. Unlike in English, this word did not carry connotations of an evil ruler. Rather, it emphasized the servant master relationship. Like a servant longing for release from his servitude, Simeon had felt the release of Messianic expectations. Simeon proclaimed that his Master could dismiss His servant in peace. To dismiss Simeon was to release him to death. He had fulfilled his purpose and now had nothing holding him back from meeting the Lord. He could die knowing God had done as He promised by keeping him alive until the coming of the Messiah. God had given him a specific word about seeing the Messiah. That word came to pass in the temple courtyard. He was ready to die because he had

seen the salvation of the Lord. [Verses 30-31] Simeon also saw the deeper plan of God—he had seen your salvation. His own Master was working for his release or redemption. He called this release salvation. To see Jesus is to see salvation that He embodies in His person and work. After declaring he had seen the salvation of the Lord, Simeon declared God had prepared that salvation for everyone. This word demonstrated God’s carefully orchestrated plan, perfect in scope and timing. (See Gal. 4:4.) God’s sovereignty had orchestrated all the events surrounding the Messiah’s coming to provide salvation to His people. God had prepared salvation in the sight of all nations. This expression was not new to Luke. Both Isaiah and the psalmist made similar statements: “The Lord will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God” (Isa. 52:10); “He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God” (Ps. 98:3). What God did was not in secret. [Verse 32] The coming salvation through the Messiah had two audiences. First, He is a light for revelation to the Gentiles. Salvation was more than a nationalistic hope for Israel. It was a light of revelation. The second audience was God’s people Israel. The glory of Israel was not their notion they were chosen to be better than other nations but that through Israel the Messiah would come into the world to drive away the darkness.

How has Jesus been a light for revelation for you personally?

II. Because of Jesus, we can know salvation.

• How blessed an experience it is when we receive what God promised.
• In Jesus, God’s salvation has come.
• Jesus came to bring salvation to all people.
• Jesus is the light of the world and the only One in whom we truly can glory.

Luke 2:33-35 

The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “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.”

How does Jesus cause people to ‘fall and rise’?

How do you think Mary and Joseph felt as they listened to Simeon talk about Jesus?

What are some examples of how the truth of Christ exposes the hearts of people in our culture?

SUMMARIZE: Simeon highlighted three things that would result from the life of Jesus. Highlight the main points from page 55 of the PSG.

• Jesus would impact people’s destiny. “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel.” This phrase has to do with how we respond to the Messiah. People can be divided into two groups: Those who rise (individuals who accept Christ by faith, are lifted out of their sin, and enter heaven) and those who fall (people who reject Christ, remain in their unbelief, and fall into eternal punishment).
• Jesus would be opposed. This term refers not only to the verbal insults Christ would endure during His life and death, but also to the people’s hatred and rejection. Jesus would be “a sign” from God that many would reject.
• Jesus would reveal our thoughts. Through Christ’s ministry, teaching, and presence, the thoughts of many hearts were revealed—and still are today. Christ exposes us as we truly are. It’s natural to run from someone who will expose us. We don’t want our deeds to be found out. Humanity’s rejection of the Messiah would reveal the wicked state of our heart.

Luke 2:33-35 Commentary

[Verses 33-34] Mary and Joseph marveled at what was said about Jesus. Certainly, Simeon said some things worthy of amazement. But his words became even more astonishing. The previous verses had described who Jesus was. The next pronouncement would describe what He came to do. Simeon blessed the parents as well as Jesus with his words. He had blessed the child; now he extended that blessing to the whole family. However, it doesn’t look like a blessing at first glance. It contained some difficult words of prophecy, especially to Mary. One might wonder why he turned to her and omitted any specific words for Joseph. While some have argued this was because of Mary’s special relationship with Jesus as His mother, others have suggested it is because Joseph’s death would occur before the crucifixion. Simeon’s first specific word to Mary was that Jesus was destined for an important assignment. He explained Jesus would cause the falling and rising of many in Israel. This passage could have two interpretations and both would be legitimate. First, it could be referring to one group that falls (humbles itself) then rises. However, the second interpretation seems more likely. In this case, Jesus would be the watershed mark or fall line for all of Israel. Those who embraced Him and His teaching would rise. This is the usual word for resurrection. Those who rejected Him would fall over their own pride and ambition. No person would be able to take a neutral position toward Jesus—they align themselves either with Him or against Him. This seems to fit better with the next statement in the verse. Simeon called Jesus a sign that will be spoken against. Using a word so common to John’s Gospel, the sign was meant to save the lost, but others would reject the visible affirmation of God’s love and mercy. Jesus was the watershed between salvation and perishing. Jesus did not come to condemn the world, but those who do not believe in Him are condemned already. (See John 3:17-18.) Some experience salvation through Jesus and others stumble and fall. [Verse 35] While Simeon was addressing Mary, he emphasized that a sword would pierce her own soul as well. Greek had a word for a small dagger and one for a large sword. It is the latter that Simeon used. A large sword of sorrow would pierce Mary’s heart at the cross. In fact, the church has sometimes referred to Mary as the mother of sorrows for this reason, and she is often depicted in sadness in many paintings. Mary had to watch her own Son experience rejection and crucifixion. This would have certainly pierced her heart. Simeon included in the revelation that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. Only God sees the secret thoughts of people. However, through the coming of Jesus, those thoughts would be revealed as a division is made between those who serve Him and those who oppose Him. Jesus would not only divide the way time is kept on the calendar, but He would also divide the world into those who believe in Him and those who reject Him.

III. Some experience salvation through Jesus and others will stumble and fall over Him.

• We too marvel at who Jesus is and what He came to provide – salvation from sin.
• Every person must decide what they will do with Jesus; accept Him as Savior or reject Him as a fraud.
• Rejecting Jesus reveals the ugliness of our hearts and only confirms our need for a Savior.

Wrap It Up

None of us knows for sure how long we have left on this earth. But we do know that we have a sure hope when we trust in Jesus. And we have a responsibility to share that hope with others.

How many times since Christmas Day have you been asked – or asked – “Did you have a good Christmas?” “What did you get for Christmas?” 

We want people to enjoy the season. And we assume gift-giving will be part of it, even implying that gifts go a long way in making Christmas good. Most people enjoying receiving gifts. As we mature, the joy is not so much what the gift is, but what the giver is saying to us in the giving. It is the thoughtfulness that went into the selection; the expression of love behind it. The same attitude ought to be behind the gifts we give to others. 

If we were to ask Simeon if he had a good Christmas, he surely would reply, “The best!” And if we were to ask him what he got for Christmas, perhaps he would say; “I got the best gift ever! It was not only what I wanted, what I had been hoping for; it was exactly what I needed! God allowed me to see His salvation. He gave it to me because He loved me, but not just me, He provided it for all who would trust in Jesus, His beloved Son who came as our Blessed Savior. What could make for a better Christmas than that?”

How about you? Did you have a good Christmas? What did you get? I hope it was Jesus, of whom we sing “Israel’s strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth thou art; Dear desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart.”

Why did you have a good Christmas?

How was Jesus part of it?

How does Jesus give you hope for today, tomorrow, and eternity? 

Class Lesson December 23, 2018

THE FULL PICTURE OF CHRISTMAS

Isaiah's Prophecy

Lesson # 4

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE

’Tis the season to be … traveling. Some of us travel constantly, while others rarely leave our own communities. Wherever you fall in that spectrum, it’s likely you have traveled during the Christmas season.

Traveling for Christmas is nothing new. The reason we even have Christmas started with a journey—Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem. I doubt it was an easy trip, either.

When my wife and I were expecting our first child, she read a book about pregnancy that validated her extreme exhaustion. The book claimed the energy of a woman’s pregnant body at rest exerted more energy than a non-pregnant mountain climber.1 On several occasions, I heard my exhausted wife declare, “I was just climbing mountains.”

The story of Jesus’ birth is one of a journey. Joseph and Mary may have felt like their trip included “climbing mountains!” But the story includes an even greater journey. Jesus, the Son of God, left the glories of His throne in heaven to journey to earth. He came as an infant with one sole purpose: to bring us salvation. 

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Luke 2:1-7

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up 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. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

“Caesar Augustus issued a decree.” This particular Caesar was born Gaius Octavius and was the adopted son of Julius Caesar. He was given the honorary title of Augustus as a sign of religious veneration. Under his long reign, the Roman Empire grew and flourished. He ordered the entire Empire to be registered, and for this registration, Joseph and Mary made the ninety-mile trek to Bethlehem. 

It is significant that Christ was born in Bethlehem. Both Mary and Joseph were descendants of David; thus, Bethlehem was their ancestral home. Micah had prophesied eight hundred years earlier that Bethlehem would be the birthplace of the Messiah: “Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times” (Mic. 5:2). 

Micah’s prophecy was intended to bring comfort to the despairing Israelites. In contrast to their broken situation, a great ruler would come to truly shepherd God’s people. And He did come, at another time when God’s people faced outside oppression. 

When the Messiah came—when Jesus was born—Mary “placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” We’re not sure of the exact nature of this location, although it implies that this type of quarters was usually a place occupied by animals. We’ve often heard, “There was no room in the inn,” assuming the family was left outside. But Jesus used the same word in sending the disciples to ask about a “guest room” to prepare for the Passover meal. (See Luke 22:11.) 

It is possible that Mary and Joseph were in a home, even a relative’s home, but they were staying in a separate area where the animals were brought at night. In any case, the only available space to lay the newborn Jesus was in the animal trough attached to the wall between the living quarters and the area where the animals were kept. The feeding trough or manger was certainly no ideal place for a crib. 

Such a humble beginning for any king—especially for the King of kings—but it was all according to God’s plan and timing. Luke captured the simplicity of this grand and glorious event with these words: “she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.” To those who were eyewitnesses in the small village of Bethlehem, or even staying in the same place, they probably saw nothing more than a young mother with her first child. Any birth is a wondrous event in itself, yet the majesty and glory of this particular birth was masked by the “ordinariness” of it all. Jesus came to be among us, so it is fitting that the moment of His birth was, in a sense, like any other birth. 

But the “ordinary” nature of Jesus’ arrival was about to be overshadowed by a heavenly announcement. This was no ordinary birth! 

Luke 2:8-14

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 

In verse 8, Luke shifted scenes from the baby lying in a manger to shepherds who “living out in the fields.” Bethlehem was home to many shepherds who tended to the sheep used in the temple sacrifices in Jerusalem, about six miles away. 

When “an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them,” the shepherds were understandably “terrified.” Zechariah had been “startled and was gripped with fear” (1:12) and Mary “was greatly troubled” (v. 29) when the angel Gabriel appeared to them. And just as Gabriel had told Zechariah and Mary, this unnamed angel now told the shepherds, “Do not be afraid.” 

No doubt, the appearance of God’s holy messenger could trigger a healthy dose of awe and fear, but as mighty and awe-inspiring as an angel could be, he came with news that would banish their fears. 

In this case, fear would be replaced with joy. “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” The source of this joy was the birth of Jesus, whom the angel described using several important terms. 

• A Savior. The name Jesus is tied to the name Joshua, which means God is Salvation. It is a most fitting name because our salvation is the very reason God came to earth.                                                       
• The Messiah. The Greek word is Christos, and we often translate this as “Christ.” It means the Anointed One, the One God chose for the task of our salvation.                                                                              
• The Lord. Lord is the title Luke used most often for Jesus. He is the Master, the Supreme Authority in all things. This baby in the manger was God Himself. 

In verse 13, we see the word suddenly. Biblical writers often used this word to describe the unexpected nature of God’s acts—especially events that involved life-changing circumstances. A “great company” of angels—“the heavenly host”—“suddenly” appeared in the fields of Bethlehem. The angelic group was not addressing the shepherds; they were “praising God,” but the shepherds clearly heard their words of praise. And what climactic words they were! “Glory to God in the highest heaven.” 

God deserves our praise for sending His Son to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Angels recognize the worth of God’s presence and praise Him for it. Our purpose in life is also to glorify God, and realizing the wonderful salvation of God should deepen our desire to fulfill our purpose of glorifying Him.

The angels also proclaimed, “On earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” God’s peace is that inner sense of wholeness that only God can bring to believing hearts. His perfect peace “transcends all understanding” (Phil. 4:7), but it is real for all who believe. In this arrangement we receive peace and God gets all the glory. All this happens because God’s favor rests on us. 

LIVE IT OUT

As you remember God’s wonderful gift of salvation, consider the following applications: 

• Trust. Reflect on the goodness of God’s salvation. If you’ve never accepted God’s offer of salvation, do so now. For more on how to become a Christian, read the inside front cover of this book.                                                                                                                                                               
• Worship. As the angels gave glory and highest honor to God, we likewise should aim to give all praise to God in our daily lives. Ask the Lord for a fresh zeal to live a life that glorifies Him in all things.                                                                                                                                                                      
• Pray. Pray for someone you know who needs to be saved. Consider how his or her life would be changed by the good news, and how God would be glorified. Ask God to begin softening that person’s heart to the message of Christ. Pray that God would open a door for you to share your faith. 

As Jesus came on a great journey for us, we are to be on mission with Him. And that mission includes helping others find salvation also! 

Hope to see you this Sunday!

In His Love,

David & Susan

Teacher's Notes:

The Angels Announcement

Point: Jesus came for our salvation.

Passage: Luke 2:1-14

Jesus, the Son of God, left the glory of His throne in heaven to journey to earth. He came as an infant with one sole purpose: to bring us salvation.

The story of Christmas – the birth of Jesus – is a familiar one to most everyone. Such familiarity, however, does not mean everyone understands what God accomplished and idealized. Unfortunately, when the season has ended many people leave Jesus in the manger until the next Christmas. They miss the point that in the birth of Jesus God came to earth to bring us Himself and the salvation He provides.

Setting: Luke wrote his gospel account to present an orderly record of the life of Christ and to present Him as the Savior. He particularly had in mind that someone named Theophilus might know with certainty what he had been taught and be more deeply grounded in the truth. His is the most comprehensive of the synoptic Gospels – Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Therefore, it is only fitting that he included the most extensive records of the events surrounding Jesus’ birth. 

Actually, he tells the stories of two births; that of John (the Baptist) and Jesus Christ. The birth parents of John – Zacharias and Elisabeth – and the legal father and birth mother of Jesus – Joseph and Mary – learn of their son’s birth through angelic visitations. Both are told that their sons are part of the plan of God; one (John) to prepare the way for the other (Jesus). One would be great (John); the other was God-in-flesh (Jesus). One (John) would submit himself to the other (Jesus). Both would die at the hands of the authorities because they challenged the prevailing systems. One (John) would be honored in death by the other (Jesus). One would gloriously arise as the Living Lord and Savior; of course, that is Jesus the Baby of Bethlehem over whom the angels rejoiced. The specific verses for this lesson comprise the “Christmas story,” so frequently read at this time of the year. They remind us that Jesus was born according to God’s time and place. Angels announced His miraculous birth, glorifying Him as Jesus, Christ, the Lord who came for our salvation.

I. The providence of His birth.

Luke 2:1-7

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up 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 to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Though the story is familiar, what elements of the story still stand out to you as being miraculous, only something God could do?

• Jesus was born according to God’s time and place.
• These circumstances happened according to the providence of God.
• God used the Roman census to fulfill Micah 5:2.
• Mary’s virginity was in fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14.
• We stand amazed that the birth of Jesus, God’s Son, our Savior, took place in such humble surroundings. God often works in unusual ways, which in themselves become a testimony to His greatness. 
• One of the great ironies in world history was the fact that God’s own Son was born in a manger. Can you imagine what would have happened if any other king or nobility had chosen to stay in a common man’s home? The family would have given him the best room in the house, even if it meant someone else had to sleep in the stable. Yet the baby born that night was no mere king. He was the King of Kings! 

When has God used outside circumstances to get you where He wanted you to be?

How do the circumstances of Jesus’ birth help you relate to Him?

Why was Jesus born in a manger?

• So, why was the Savior and King born in a place where animals were kept? And why was He then laid in the animals’ food trough? Surely, God’s Son deserved a high-profile birth in the most elegant of surroundings. But, instead, God’s own Son made His appearance on earth in the lowliest of circumstances. This humble birth conveys an amazing message to creation: the transcendent God condescended to come to us. Instead of coming to earth as a pampered, privileged ruler, Jesus was born in meekness, as one of us. He is approachable, accessible, available—no palace gates bar the way to Him; no ring of guards prevents our approach. The King of kings came humbly, and His first bed was a manger.

It is significant that Christ was born in Bethlehem. Both Mary and Joseph were descendants of David; thus, Bethlehem was their ancestral home. Micah had prophesied eight hundred years earlier that Bethlehem would be the birthplace of the Messiah: “Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times” (Mic. 5:2).

About 700 years before Christ, the prophet Isaiah prophesied concerning the Jesus’ birth, saying in Isaiah 7:14, “The Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and will bear a son, and she will call his name Immanuel.”

Many years later, in recounting this mysterious story, the aged apostle John made these profound statements in John 1:1 and 14: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” “And the Word became flesh.”

Understand the background of Caesar Augustus and his census.

[Verses 1-2] Jesus was born according to God’s intent while Caesar Augustus ruled Rome (31 BC to AD 14). Luke emphasized this took place when Quirinius was governing Syria. It is possible Quirinius served two terms as the governor of Syria. From 6-4 BC, during the time Jesus was born, he conducted the initial process requiring people to register for a census. During his second term, AD 6-9, he finished the census. The only external record of Quirinius’s reign is the latter one, which would not work with the dating of Jesus’ birth. Herod died in 4 BC and Jesus was born before the death of Herod. However, if Quirinius served two terms, that would explain the presence of the first registration mentioned in Luke as opposed to the one he conducted during his second term. Some evidence points to Quirinius being governor in the first decade BC as well as the verified date of AD 6-9. [Verses 3-4] Luke 2:39 identifies Nazareth as Joseph and Mary’s hometown. However, they left Nazareth to go to Bethlehem to register. The intention of the decree was most likely for them to travel to their ancestral home. As a descendant of David, Bethlehem would have been that place for Joseph and Mary. Nazareth was a small town in Galilee about eighty-five to ninety miles from Bethlehem. Bethlehem was called the town of David because that was his ancestral home. The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem had more than logistical or political reasons for happening. The census was the vehicle that moved Joseph and Mary from Nazareth of Galilee to Bethlehem of Judea. It enabled the prophecy of Micah 5:2 to come to fruition. God can use anything or anyone to further His purposes. After Herod died, Joseph was going to move back to Bethlehem, but he was warned in a dream to return to Nazareth, fulfilling the words of the prophets that He was a Nazarene. (See Matt. 2:23.) Thus, both streams of prophecy found their fulfillment in Jesus. [Verses 5-7] Joseph and Mary went to register for the census issued by Augustus. Mary had stayed with Elizabeth three months during her pregnancy. (See Luke 1:56.) Additional time probably elapsed before their journey to Bethlehem. It is likely Mary was in her last trimester of pregnancy when they began the trip to Bethlehem. They could not have been in Bethlehem long because there still was no room for them. The time came for Mary to give birth, and she gave birth to her firstborn Son. This implied she later had other children. Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah, had finally entered the world He came to save. Mary wrapped Him tightly in cloth, the normal practice of a mother with her child. They swaddled the child in order to keep its limbs straight. (See Ezek. 16:4.) This extraordinary child arrived in such an ordinary, humble way. Mary placed Jesus in a manger, a feeding trough for animals. Luke noted that there was no guest room available for them. Thus, they settled in a space reserved for animals. Even in those circumstances, Jesus came in God’s way, demonstrating the great humility this special Child would display throughout His time on earth.

II. The proclamation of His birth.

Luke 2:8-14

And 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, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 

Angels announced the birth of Christ, the Messiah. (Luke 2:8-14)

• No one is outside the scope of God’s love. He desires that all know the joyous message of salvation.
• That Jesus is Savior, Messiah, and Lord gives us cause to rejoice.
• True peace is a gift of God not a result of human effort.
• God is worthy of joyous and glorious praise. 

Just as the shepherds responded to what was made known to them by going to see for themselves what God was doing, what personal actions will you take to see more of what God is doing in your life?

What’s so good about the news the angels delivered?

The source of this joy was the birth of Jesus, whom the angel described using several important terms.

• A Savior. The name Jesus is tied to the name Joshua, which means God is Salvation. It is a most fitting name because our salvation is the very reason God came to earth.
• The Messiah. The Greek word is Christos, and we often translate this as “Christ.” It means the Anointed One, the One God chose for the task of our salvation.
• The Lord. Lord is the title Luke used most often for Jesus. He is the Master, the Supreme Authority in all things. This baby in the manger was God Himself.

[Verse 8] Somewhere in the fields near Bethlehem where King David had kept his sheep, a small group of shepherds were doing their duty guarding their sheep. The shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night. Nighttime was one of the most dangerous times for sheep. Both thieves and predators could take advantage of the cover of darkness. The text does not give a month this took place. With relatively mild winters, it could have been about any time of the year. These shepherds were most likely devout men. It was not unlike most other nights they had been in the fields. But that was about to change. Not far away lay the Son of God. [Verse 9] Suddenly an angel of the Lord interrupted the shepherds. Unlike other times in the Book of Luke (see Luke 1:11,19,26), this angel remains unnamed. How did they know it was an angel if he did not identify himself? Obviously, they noticed that the glory of the Lord shone around them. This was the manifest presence of God among them. Though the glory of God often was manifested in such ways as fire or clouds, on this occasion His glory shone like a beam of light on a darkened night. The shepherds were terrified. Those who had an encounter with God or His angels often needed reassurance for their fear. (See Luke 1:30; 2:10; 8:50.) [Verse 10] As the shepherds shrunk in terror, the angel spoke words of reassurance. First, the angel encouraged the shepherds with the words, “Do not be afraid.” This was an oft-used expression of angels. (See Gen. 21:17; Acts 27:24.) Those who were afraid were in danger of missing the greatest birth announcement of all time. They needed to calm down and hear the gospel. The angel told the shepherds he came to proclaim good news that will cause great joy. Good news is the Greek word from which we get the word gospel. The angel preached the gospel for the first time to a group of shepherds on a hillside keeping their sheep at night. [Verse 11] The good news the angel announced was not a program but a person. The gospel is not a religion but a relationship with the Messiah who came into the world to save sinners. Luke identified the beginning of this new Messianic age with the word today. From that day forward, all people had a new hope of salvation based upon God’s sending His Messiah into the world. The event took place in the town of David. Bethlehem, the home of the shepherd David, was also the first home of the shepherd Messiah. The angel used three lofty terms for this special child. First, he identified Jesus as Savior. The only other time this term is used in Luke’s Gospel is in reference to God in Mary’s song known as the Magnificat. (See Luke 1:47.) The angel also referred to Jesus as Messiah. This is the Hebrew word that corresponds to the Greek word Christ. Literally it meant anointed one and was a reference to the One God promised would come and deliver His people. The final reference to Jesus was as Lord. This was the usual word for secular rulers, but it was also the standard translation for Yahweh, the primary name used for God in the Old Testament. God the Messiah came to be the Savior of the world. That was good news indeed. [Verse 12] While the titles of Jesus were exalted, the events of His birth were humble. The shepherds were supposed to look for a sign. If the shepherds found a baby … in a manger in Bethlehem, it would point to the truthfulness and accuracy of the angel’s message. Bethlehem was not a large town. They would not have to look far to find a baby laid in a manger on that particular night. The baby would have two humble qualities. First, he would be wrapped in cloths. This referred to a process by which babies were wrapped in long strips of cloth and swaddled. It gave them warmth, security, and protection. And He would be lying in a manger. Think of the absurdity of the angel’s words. God, the Messiah, the Savior, would be born, wrapped up like a little baby, and placed in a feeding trough for animals. [Verse 13] The word suddenly often describes the unexpected nature of God’s supernatural acts. Here it is a signal something unusual happened. As if a conversation with an angel were not sudden enough, the countryside filled with a great company of the heavenly host. Host was a reference to an army. This, however, was not an army of war but an army announcing peace. (See 2:14.) The angel army joined together in two related actions. First, they were praising God. Praise was the expected response both of the believer (see 2:20; 19:37; 24:53; Acts 2:47; 3:8-9) and of creation itself (see Ps. 148:1-4), of which the angels would have been a part. The praise of the angels expressed itself in the second related action: speaking. They spoke the gospel, as the one angel had done. Proclaiming the gospel is not often thought of as an act of worship, but it should be! [Verse 14] The birth of the Messiah, Savior, and Lord brought glory to God. The glory of God displayed His majesty and authority. The psalmist remarked, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the skies proclaims the work of his hands” (Ps. 19:1). Another psalm declares, “The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic” (29:3-4). The coming of Messiah highlighted all the incredible qualities of God. The glory of God reached to the highest heaven. Jesus brought glory to God, and God brought peace on earth. Peace referred to more than mere absence of conflict. The peace God offered provided wholeness for those who received it. It was a peace that affected the entire person. The people on whom his favor rests includes all those who have found God’s grace through Jesus Christ. Through Jesus, people have the opportunity to have their sins forgiven and their lives made whole.

The Point: Jesus came for our salvation. 

Wrap It Up

In a couple of days, Christmas will have come and gone for another year. The seasonal decorations will begin to come down, packed in boxes, and returned to the attic, including the Baby Jesus in the manger, where they will reside for another year. We can get back to normal living, whatever that is. If normal means we return to life as it was – mistreating others, living selfishly, rejecting the less fortunate, ignoring what God is doing – then we have only celebrated a holiday. However, if during these weeks we have freshly heard the message of the joyous gift of Jesus as “Savior, who is Christ the Lord” and have renewed our relationship with Him, then normal will have a different look. A God-given “new normal” of the eternal, abundant life made possible because Christ has come. 

As Jesus came on a great journey for us, we are to be on mission with Him. And that mission includes helping others find salvation also! 

What is your personal testimony of the difference the birth of Christ has made in your life? How is He Savior, Christ, and Lord to you?

One of the great ironies in world history was the fact that God’s own Son was born in a manger. Can you imagine what would have happened if any other king or nobility had chosen to stay in a common man’s home? The family would have given him the best room in the house, even if it meant someone else had to sleep in the stable. Yet the baby born that night was no mere king. He was the King of Kings! 

I. The providence of His birth.

A. It happened during the days of Caesar Augustus (Octavian).

1. He was the nephew of Julius Caesar.

a. After Julius Caesar was murdered, he became part of the “Second Triumvirate”, along with Mark Antony and Lepidus.

b. He defeated Mark Antony at the Battle of Actium in 31 B.C., and he became ruler of Rome.

c. His reign began a long period of relative peace and stability that historians call the Pax Romana.

2. He decreed “that all the world should be taxed”.

a. It was actually a census for the purpose of taxation.

b. Everyone was required to return to the city of his ancestry.

• The Romans normally let different regions carry out a census according to their own customs. The custom of returning to the city of one’s ancestry seems more Jewish than Roman.

3. Mary went along with Joseph.

a. Luke called her “his espoused wife”. They had come together as husband and wife, but in those days a marriage was not considered official until the couple had sexual relations.

b. Jesus was conceived supernaturally in the womb of a virgin.

B. These circumstances happened according to the providence of God.

1. God used the Roman census to fulfill Micah 5:2.

2. Mary’s virginity was in fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14.

II. The proclamation of His birth.

A. An angel appeared to a group of shepherds.

1. Of all the people God could have chosen to tell this news, why did He choose these shepherds?

a. Shepherds were some of the most despised members of society.

b. The Bible says God’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8).

c. When God does things that defy human logic and human wisdom, He gets more glory (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).

2. “The glory of the Lord shone round about them”.

a. The Old Testament uses the phrase “glory of the Lord” to refer to the visible presence of God.

b. The shepherds were “sore afraid”. However, this was not a visitation of judgment, but an announcement of good news.

B. Suddenly they were joined by a whole multitude of angels.

1. Most likely, the whole sky was lit up with angels.

a. We know Jesus had more than twelve legions of angels at His command (Matthew 26:53). By Roman reckoning, one legion was about 6000 men, so twelve legions would have been 72,000.

b. If the shepherds were “sore afraid” at the sight of one angel, imagine how they felt when they saw this whole host of angels!

2. “And on earth peace, good will toward men” – This phrase is often quoted during the Christmas season, but most people misunderstand it.

a. The angels were not talking about peace among men, but peace between man and God.

b. We were under God’s judgment, but Jesus was born so that we might have peace with Him (Romans 5:1).

The Giving Manger

ALL YEAR we would wait with joy and delight

To receive a wood toy on Christmas night.

Father would carve them with love and care

Because we had little money to spare.

ONE CHRISTMAS was different. A new tradition began.

On Thanksgiving Day Father told us the plan.

“Children, we will give more gifts this year.”

More than one gift, I was thrilled to hear.

“THE GIVING will start on the first day of December.”

Those days of waiting were the longest I remember.

On December First, I ran downstairs to see 

Just what special thing my first present would be.

NO WRAPPING, no ribbon, no presents were there,

Just a simple wood manger Father’d made with care.

“Children, this manger’s my gift to you,

Listen, and I’ll tell you just what to do.”

“THIS CHRISTMAS we’ll celebrate the great gift of all – 

Jesus Christ born, a baby so small.

Throughout His life, Christ always was giving,

Loving, serving, and never receiving.”

“THIS YEAR we will offer gifts back to Him,

By serving others, giving gifts from within.

Each time you serve someone, you also serve Christ – 

Remember the Scripture we read last night.”

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. – Matthew 25:40

“AS YOU serve others, you also serve Jesus.

That is the message this Scripture teaches.

Each time you serve, put a straw in the manger –

Serve your brother, put a straw in the manger – 

Serve your brother, your mother, a friend, or a stranger.”

I FELT sad that this manger was all I would get.

Dad said “more gifts” – I couldn’t forget!

I noticed my brother had tears in his eyes.

I could not remember ever seeing him cry. 

“I CANNOT believe Dad would do this,” he said,

“He promised us gifts, then just gave us this bed.

We don’t ask for much, just one measly toy.

Why is he taking our Christmas joy?”

THAT MORNING was filled with frustration and anger.

I wanted to throw away the manger.

But when I got home from school that day,

The manger held ten pieces of hay.

MY CHORES were all finished, my laundry all done.

A note on my bed said, “Anne, go have fun.”

My mother had worked hard serving me.

Gifts aren’t always found under a tree.

IT WAS my turn to serve and give to others.

I’d follow the example of Christ and my mother.

I thought about Jesus – that if he’d been there,

He’d want me to love, he’d want me to care. 

I STARTED to give by washing dishes,

Then cleaned off Dad’s boots and gave him kisses.

I wrote a kind note for my brother Ben,

Placed straw in the manger, went to bed with a grin.

BUT BEN was still mad, refused to join in.

I decided I’d fix it by serving him.

While Ben did his homework, I snuck out the door.

And shoveled the snow, his least favorite chore.

“THE NEXT day I saw him put straw in the manger –

Gone was the sadness, disappointment, and anger.

He’d woken up early, heading out to the shed.

Building and painting a baby doll bed.

HE’D MADE this gift for the girl down the street.

They had no toys or money, and little to eat.

I asked my mom if we had food we could spare.

We walked to her house, hoping no one would hear.

WE KNOCKED, left the gifts, and ran away,

Hid behind a bush to hear what they’d say.

Jane opened the door with tears in her eyes –

“Our prayers were answered, look at this surprise.”

AS WE walked away, I looked up at Ben.

“We served Jesus, Anne, by helping them.

Now I see what serving really can do:

It brings joy to those you serve, and changes you.”

ON CHRISTMAS the manger was full – we’d done it!

Then Father told us there was one more present:

A small baby Jesus, carved by our mother. 

So simple, so humble, and like no other.

“YOU DID it my children, the manger is full.

Full of service and love, the baby it now holds.

Baby Jesus had no crib for a bed,

But you gave Him this manger filled with love instead.”