The Birth of Jesus (2)

Luke 2:6-14
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (6-7) There was nothing unusual about using strips of cloth to swaddle an infant The only indication that Jesus was born in a stable (probably a cave/stable) was the mention of the manger a feeding trough for livestock Also, this is the only indication of the overcrowding of inns and homes due to the abundance of travelers for the taking of the census And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 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. (8-12) The shepherds were not highly regarded socially

Most likely these shepherds were watching animals that would eventually be sold for temple sacrifice quite an irony These were the ones to whom the angel of the Lord appeared, not the elite

When the angel appeared, Gods glory shone around them which was terrifying

The angels first words: Do not be afraid (this phrase appears 365 times in the Bible) Good news of great joy the gospel of Gods deliverance from sin and eternal life For all the people? not just the Jews, for God so loved the world (John 3:16) A Savior. . . He is Christ the Lord a savior brings salvation, rescue, and healing

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests. (13-14) Gloria in Excelsis Deo (Glory to God in the highest) Now we have not one angel, but a great company of the heavenly host There is no textual evidence of angelic singing, but the message proclaimed was glory to God . . . on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests The angels proclaim Gods glory, that God brings peace to men (Isaiah 9:6, 53:5), and that mankind is favored by Gods action (Romans 5:8)

 The angels celebrate the pinnacle of Gods revelation to man, for the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us (John 1:14) The original Christmas gift is Gods gift of Himself through His son: the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23) A gift is given that it may be received: to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12)