The Little Town 

     Morning broke over the little town in Judea, as it always does...an ordinary town...nothing special. Travelers at the Inn awoke and began their day. But this was unlike any other morning. 

     During the night, overjoyed shepherds left their duties and hurried into the little town. It was a miracle! They had seen a miracle! Did they wake people up? 

     An angel! An angel in the sky told them, 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; he is Christ the Lord. - Luke 2:13-14 

     Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God...

     Shepherds might have gushed to the people..."We found them with the animals...in the stable behind the inn. The newborn baby was there! We saw him!" 

     All who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said. - v. 2:18

     This was a divine moment in history. Everything that has ever happened occurred before - B.C. - or after - A.D. - this birth. It had to occur in Bethlehem, for Joseph (though not directly involved) was of the line of David. 

     Jesus entered his creation, as Old Testament prophets said he would. Nothing is impossible with God.

Footnote: A decree of Caesar Augustus forced Joseph and Mary to travel at the worst time. Gabriel had told Mary she was "highly favored." Gabriel had told Daniel, who had been overwhelmed with terror, that he was "highly esteemed." 

If an angel says you are highly favored or highly esteemed, beware! 

Tomorrow: God with us