LUKE 2

 Augustus Caesar ordered all the inhabited world under his jurisdiction be registered in the census. Therefore, Joseph and his wife Mary, who was pregnant, went to Bethlehem because Joseph was of the house of David. While there, Mary gave birth to her first born Son, and laid Him in a manager because there was no room at the inn.

In the same country, an angel of the Lord appeared at night to shepherds out in the field watching their flock and they were afraid. The angel told them not to fear because he brought good news for all people. "Born this day in the city of David a Savoir who is Christ the Lord." They will find Him lying in a manger. Suddenly a heavenly host appeared, praising God and saying:

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, goodwill towards men!

The shepherds then rushed to Bethlehem to see what the Lord revealed to them, and they found Joseph, Mary, and the Baby lying in the manager. The told Joseph and Mary what the angels said and all who heard marveled. But Mary pondered these things in her heard. And the shepherds returned to work, praising and glorifying God.

On the eight day, Jesus was circumcised, and they called Him Jesus, which was the name given by the angel before He was conceived. After Mary's purification, they presented Jesus in the temple and brought a sacrifice, as was the custom. There, a faithful man name Simeon, came to the temple and saw Jesus. He had been told that he would not die until He saw the Christ. Therefore, he blessed Him and said: 

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. 

Then Simeon prophesied that Jesus was "destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against that thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." 

Also, an old woman named Anna saw the Baby and gave thanks to the Lord, and "spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. Then Joseph, Mary, and Jesus returned to Nazareth, and Jesus grew and "became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him."

When Jesus was twelve, He and Joseph and Mary traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. When it ended, they headed home, but Jesus was not with them. They returned to Jerusalem and searched three days until they found Him in the temple sitting among the teachers, listening and asking questions. When they explained their worry, He replied, Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" But they did not understand. 

Then they returned to Nazareth together where "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."

COMMENTARY

Keep in mind that Luke is writing to the Greek audience. The Greeks represented logic and reason and humanity in the world. Some of the Scriptures were written in Greek.

Also, remember, that everything that took place was orchestrated by God. He arranged where Jesus would be born and when -- in the time of the Roman Empire. 

Jesus also came in the most vulnerable possible way, as a baby. While He never gave up His deity, He did give up His glory. He was born into poverty.

ABOUT THE BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT

When the angel of the Lord announced the arrival of the Savior in Bethlehem, to the shepherds, they knew about the expectant Savior. They had been waiting, as much of Israel, too. That the was reason they ran with haste to see if what the angel said was true. 

The angelic host had proclaimed peace. Many verses may say "peace on earth, good will toward men" but the message should read "peace to men of good will," or "peace among men with whom He is pleased." The message was strictly that God had made a way for man to finally have peace with Him. Directly. And it was in Jesus Christ. And it was and is for the whole world.

That was the glorious announcement. That was and is good news!

credit: FaithHopeJoy.com