THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD
ISAIAH 9:2-7
THE BACKGROUND
Originally, this was intended to be a coronation song for a king. It was a royal hymn of praise to him and a hope for the future of God’s people. This was written 700 years before Jesus’ birth. It is doubtful that the people of Isaiah’s time would cherish and preserve this for that length of time unless it made sense to them.
Early Christians were quick to recognize how well it fit their understanding of Jesus the Messiah. The people of Isaiah’s day did not, of course, say “this is about Jesus!” Is it possible that god provided Israel, through Isaiah, with a meaningful prophecy for that time, and at the same time provided Christians with a prophecy to point to the birth of our Savior? Each will have their own answer to that question. For the purpose of this reflection, we will explore the traditional Christian understanding.
THE DETAIL
- The passage begins by speaking of a people who have walked in darkness, but have now seen a great light. To me, this refers to us Gentiles. Most Christians today are not Hebrews; we are Gentiles. Before Jesus came, God’s saving grace was reserved for the Jews. With Jesus’ birth, we now become heirs of the kingdom. (v. 2)
- Next, there is a shift from war to peace. Who makes this happen? Isaiah makes it clear that it is the Lord’s doing, not mankind. The Israelites were sorely outnumbered in the battle of Midian, but they won the battle. (Judges 6-7) God was given all the credit of winning that battle. (vv. 3-5)
- The passage ends with famous lines. These have been incorporated into Handel’s Messiah. I can also see the coronation hymn of Isaiah’s time shining through as well. (vv. 6-7)
THE TAKEAWAY
God has chosen to send his very son to earth, to live a life like ours, and to rescue us all from sin and death. It is God’s saving grace alone that does this!
TITUS 2:11-14
THE BACKGROUND
Titus was a trusted member of Paul’s inner circle of followers. He is mentioned several times in Paul’s letters. This letter was written to Titus, who had been put in charge of straightening out the church on the island of Crete. Within this brief letter are some interesting points for us to consider.
THE DETAIL
- The first verse of this passage is the key verse, and the reason for its selection on Christmas Eve. God’s free gift of grace has appeared to mankind, when He sent His son to earth for our salvation. (v. 11)
- Jesus has taught us, by words and example, how to live a godly life. This should be our response to what God has already done for us. (v. 12)
- The “blessed hope” that we wait for is Jesus return. When he does, he will purify and redeem us his people. (vv. 13-14)
THE TAKEAWAY
I am thankful that God has redeemed us all through the life, death, and resurrection of His only son Jesus.
LUKE 2:1-20
THE BACKGROUND
Luke the Evangelist provides us with the beautiful account of Jesus’ birth I don’t need to expound on the detail; you all know these words very well. Instead, let’s focus on what the birth of our savior means for us.
THE TAKEAWAY
- Sometimes, we call the birth of Jesus “The Incarnation”. What does this word mean? In Latin, “carne” means flesh or meat. It follows that the work “incarnation” means in the flesh. For us believers, the word reminds us that God decided to take on skin and bones and dwell among us. He came to teach us, love us, heal us, and die for us.
- The angel Gabriel told Mary to name the baby Jesus. Well, sort of. “Jesus” is the Greek version of the Hebrew name “Yeshua”1, which means “the Lord saves”. Even his name points to his divine purpose!
- Couldn’t Jesus have been born to a better family than that of a lowly carpenter? Why not a priest of the house of Levi—wouldn’t that be more appropriate? Why was he born in a stable? Shouldn’t he have been born in a palace, or in Jerusalem, and not in a barn in little Bethlehem?
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Why did dirty shepherds2 come to worship him, and not somebody more appropriate? Why did the Magi bring gifts, and not the high-ranking clergy of Joseph and Mary’s faith? Everything God does has a reason or a purpose. What might those reasons be?
Footnotes
- Names are different in different languages. Take, for example, the name James. That’s how we say it in English. But in German it is Jacob. In French it is Jacques. The name “Jesus” is the Greek form for the Hebrew name Yeshua. In English, this is translated as Joshua. But for some reason, we use the Greek form Jesus.
- Being a shepherd was one of the lowest jobs you could have. It was a dirty job, too. Shepherds were so dirty, that by Jewish law it would take them several days of ritual cleansing to enter the temple for worship. Yet, in Luke 2, they come before God’s presence just as they are.