The Epiphany of Christmas
It was the first Christmas day over 2,000 years ago, and according to Luke, we find the virgin Mary along with her fiance Joseph heading to Bethlehem. Luke tells us that Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken over the entire Roman world, and that it was also the first census to take place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. Luke wants us to know that we have proof and reason to believe that this event actually happened.
When Mary and Joseph came to Bethlehem the time had come for their child to be born, but no one would make room for them. We don’t know how long they looked, or where they attempted to find a place to have their child, but Luke tells us that there was no room for them in the inn. Mary was pregnant, she was having her child, but no one would make room for her child to be born.
Since there was no place inside to have the child, the baby Jesus was born out with the animals, placed in a manger and wrapped in cloths. The Messiah, the Lord, the Savior was born outside because there was no room inside.
After Jesus was born, an angel appeared to some shepherds in nearby fields, and the glory of the Lord was all around them as the angel said, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12)
After the angel spoke to the shepherds, a number of the heavenly host also appeared praising and giving glory to God. Then the shepherds went to find the child, and when they did find him lying in the manger they spread the word about what they had seen and heard. When they left they gave praise and glory to God for all the things that had happened which were just as they had been told.
Here is the epiphany of Christmas: Just as the people would not make room for the baby Jesus to be born inside, do we also fail to make room for Him in our lives? Do we also fail to make room for others?
And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ (Matthew 25:40)
May you and yours have a blessed Christmas, and may we all make room for our Lord and those around us who may be in need…
Dave Earley
Bible Study Forum
Faith Like A Mustard Seed