Birthing a New World
In some liturgical churches this selection is often observed at dawn.
The situation was bleak for Israel. It was not the time to raise a small child, especially if one was poor. We remember the plight of Joseph and Mary:
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:1-7)
Israel was under Roman bondage. Taxes were high and personal freedoms were under attack. If Rome was not enough, the Jewish authorities levied strict and stringent laws on the people. This was a dark time for Israel. But Isaiah prophesied a new day was coming:
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;those who lived in a land of deep darkness–
on them light has shined.You have multiplied the nation,
you have increased its joy;they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.For the yoke of their burden,
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian. (Isaiah 9:2-4)
The burdens of the people would be lifted. A joyful time was coming. In today’s Gospel, the angels of God spoke directly to a group of shepherds about a day of great joy:
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see– I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” (Luke 2:8-14)
The birth of a small child would alter the course of events for Israel. But not just any child, Isaiah prophesied;
For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is namedWonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peacefor the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold itwith justice and with righteousness
from this time onward and forevermore. (Isaiah 9:6-7)
Are we going through some dark times today? Do they remind us, in some ways, of Israel at the time of the birth of Jesus? Only Jesus can cure the darkness. Isaiah proclaimed:
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined. (Isaiah 9:2)
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (Luke 2:15-20)
What will be our testimony concerning the birth of Jesus?
Preaching the Lectionary 