2010 Advent Devotional
St. Stephen United Methodist Church
Friday, December 17
Luke 2:1-20

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

 

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

 

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

 

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

 

14 "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

 

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Celebration Time
As I have proceeded through my life I have found it more difficult not to become emotional at really small things. Things like watching my granddaughters play, or seeing the deer in a field off the Blue Ridge Parkway, or watching even a not-to-sappy movie can set my tear ducts working. But this passage of scripture, Luke's story of the birth, has always managed to get me going, regardless of my age.

The angels announcing to the shepherds that a savior was born to them! Not to the wise, or rich, but to the lowly and poor of the earth. Yes, the wise and rich were included, too, if they could accept what he would teach them, but the shepherds! They could not wait to get to Bethlehem to see what had been given them. The angels sang and the shepherds rejoiced, glorifying God for what they had seen and heard.

We are so fortunate for having this gift of the child given to us, too. And, unlike the shepherds in the Gospel of Luke, we get to rejoice over the birth every year! As a vocal musician I am always looking forward to the holy days of Easter, but my favorite music is that of Advent and Christmas. Each year I marvel at the gift that was given and at the music written to celebrate the giving. And, if you don't think that starts me up!

For unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given. And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Oh yes! It is indeed a time of celebration and rejoicing! May we never forget the gift given and the price paid for us.
Ed Back