Young and Old, Rich and Poor

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   Suddenly, the night lights up with the glory of the Lord over poor shepherds tending their flocks. Were they speechless? "Terrified!" the Book says. The angelic message is good news and great joy to them. Then a great company of angels of the heavenly host gives glory to God. Excited shepherds find the manger, see the child, and return to their fields, spreading the news as they go.

   When they were able, Mary and Joseph travel six miles to Jerusalem, to present the child to the Lord. By the Law of Moses, a first-born male was to be consecrated / dedicated to the Lord, and parents would offer a sacrifice. Being poor, they offered a pair of doves. 

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   Simeon, an old priest, received the child. He knew. Simeon praised God, saying: For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.

   Then, Simeon gave Mary something to ponder. This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul also.        ...and so it did. 

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   Then there were the rich. Coming from the east were "wise men" who had seen glory in the sky resembling a star. Somehow they knew it was leading them to a house in Jerusalem, where the family now was staying. They worshipped the child and delivered valuable gifts. 

   A fiction novel might have Mary and Joseph returning to Nazareth, and years later tearfully waving goodbye as their son goes off to save the world. 

   But this world is vile. King Herod is troubled by the report of wise men searching for a newborn king. He learned from priests and teachers that Bethlehem was the place in prophecy. To assure his rival was eliminated, he ordered all babies in the city killed, up to age 2. Paranoia? 

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   Six centuries earlier, Jeremiah received a word: This is what the Lord says: "A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because her children are no more." 

   A fictitious hero would have saved the children. 

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   Instead, an angel warned Joseph to flee to Egypt, where they lived two years. When Herod died, the angel told Joseph it was safe to return home. 

   Hosea, seven centuries prior, foreknew this: Out of Egypt I called my son. 

 The birth was a miracle, and acts of God continued.

This was written in the book of life before there was a world. (Rev. 17:8)

The Lamb that was slain conceived his plan to 

 redeem humanity before there was humanity. (Rev. 13:8)

   Merry Christmas