The Joy of Christmas

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“And the angel said to them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." -- Luke 2:10–11

In Luke 2, Mary and Joseph went to Galilee in the city of Nazareth, in Judea (city of David), the city of Bethlehem as Joseph was of the house and lineage of David. He went up to be registered as part of a census which was decreed by Caesar Augustus. Mary was heavily pregnant, and her baby was due to be born. She gave birth to Jesus in a manger as there were no guest rooms available them. There were shepherds nearby in the fields watching over their flocks and it was night time. An angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of God was shining all around them and they were extremely afraid. The angel reassured them that they did not need to be afraid. He brought good news which was for all the people about the birth of the Savior, Christ the Lord. “And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” ‭‭(Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬)

A multitude of heavenly hosts then appeared with the angels and sang: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” ‭‭(Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬) After the angels left, the shepherds decided to go to Bethlehem to see the savior, as the angels had revealed to them. They went quickly to the place as described and found Mary and Joseph with the baby lying in a manger. After they saw Him, they spread the news which had been shared with them about the savior’s birth. Everyone who heard their testimony were amazed at what they heard. Then the shepherds returned rejoicing and praising God for all that they had seen and heard. After eight days were completed, the baby was circumcised and given the name Jesus as the angel had instructed. After the days of Mary’s purification were completed, according to the law of Moses, she brought Jesus to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord. The law dictated that every firstborn male child should be presented to the Lord and shall be called holy to the Lord.

This also included offering a sacrifice unto the Lord, a pair of turtle doves and two young pigeons. There was a man named Simeon who lived in Jerusalem who was dedicated to the Lord and righteous. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he saw Jesus Christ. He was led by the spirit into the temple and when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus in to be blessed, he took Him up in his arms and blessed Him saying; ““Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your Word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.” ‭‭(Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭29‬-‭32) Mary and Joseph were amazed at what Simeon said and he blessed them. He also told them that Jesus was destined for the fall and rising of many in Isreal, and for a sign which will be spoken against.

He said a sword would pierce through their hearts as the hearts of many would be revealed. There was also a prophetess named Anna who was of age, and she was a widow to the age of 84. She didn’t leave the temple but served God with fasting and prayer day and night. “And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” (Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭38‬) There were many signs and prophecies fulfilled around the time of Jesus’s birth. This demonstrated that He wasn’t just another prophet or another child, born to parents in Bethlehem. His birth was prophesied of many hundreds of years ago and the fulfilment allowed those who knew the Lord to rejoice at His coming. His birth was of humble beginnings, and the Lord chose shepherds, who weren’t the most significant tradesmen at the time to reveal His glory. To those who had the promise of his coming, including Simeon and Anna the prophetess, their response was one of joy and gladness.

They rejoiced that at last; the Christ child was born to fulfill the promise of salvation to the world. Simeon was content that he could now die in peace, as he had lived to see the fulfilment of God’s promise to Isreal.