FOR THE LITTLE ONES!

Luke 2:15-20

   15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us." 16 So they came in a hurry ¨and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

   Once again is God’s marvelous mercy revealed to us in His Word – in His works! The shepherds were really little in Israel at that time. They were counted as less worthy people, unreliable, yes, a pack of scoundrels were the common description.
   These people were the ones that the angels first revealed themselves to, with the blessed message: “- in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior!” And then: “He” – He who is born for you for salvation – “ is Christ (Messiah) the Lord.”
   They must’ve been astonished! The angels didn’t first come with a message that they had to repent, and do this and that, then will He who is born in the city of David be your Savior. That is pure teaching from the law as the Pharisees saw it. A teaching that is widely spread among us also today!
   No, the Savior is born for you, as lost, despised and sinful you may be where you lie in the field! Just go now to Bethlehem and see: “You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (v.12).
   And then – the child that you will find there, He is your Savior!
   Have you who is reading this seen this? He who is lying in the manger is your Savior! It isn’t a question if you like it or not. Nor about who, what or how you are – or have been. It just teaches you straight forward that this has the Lord, your God, become for you!
   If you despise that, it is your business – but do you want to do as these shepherds in the field, just go and look if it’s right what they heard had been preached, and you will find that your Savior is true. Just listen to the testimony about the Shepherds: “The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.” (v.20).

   He came to these little ones, and He was born in the little and insignificant town Bethlehem. He was born by the poor Maria, the carpenter Joseph’s fiancée. All along you see the same pattern – the little ones!

   “And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.” (v.18).
   Yes, it wasn’t odd that they all wondered at this that such great thing could be said about this poor child who laid there in a manger. – Think about it, crowds of angels who lights up the sky to testify about Him! – That He is the Savior and Messiah, the Lord! No wonder they wondered. “But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (v.19).
   Odd for her too this - that among the first testimonies she heard about Jesus came from people like that.
   Already then it must have dawned on her what kind of king and Savior it was about. Later on the light just increased, as tax collectors and sinners stayed close to Him, while He in every way offended the pious and the religious in the country.

   May this enlighten your heart also this Christmas night, and all the days you may have here on earth!

E.K.

Holy Bible, New American Standard Version
Translator: Benedicte Holtan Smart