We will look into different Perspectives of the First Christmas from various angles. We observe some most common responses from different people to the Good News. Good News for All the People, but Bad News for few.
Perspectives. Christmas from a different angle.
The Birth of Jesus. One of the most significant events in human history.
We will look into different Perspectives of the First Christmas from various angles. We observe some most common responses from different people to the Good News. Good News for All the People, but Bad News for few.
To Mary and Joseph the earthly parents, When they were told that the birth will be by holy spirit, what was their response?
Mary was greeted by an Angel in Luke 1:28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
Joseph was Faithful as the scripture says in Matthew 1:19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
They did have a hard road, no place for the baby. The God who created the Universe, now in a manger.
To the Shepherds. They were awaiting for the Messiah, they do know about Angels. But, when all things happened suddenly they too were afraid.
Luke 2:8 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.
The Gospel was preached to the Shepherds and this shows us that God is concerned about the least.
The Shepherds were also so responsive, they were awaiting for the Messiah, when they heard Angel’s news they did not sit quietly but went in search of the Baby and then they spread the News not just holding on to it, ultimately they returned “Praising and Thanking God”.
Blessed are the pure in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of God.
Now, the next person in the list and his perspective on the birth of Christ was a shock and a threat for his power and position. King Herod
The Shepherds were Joyful. But, Herod and all the officials were troubled. Shepherds said, let us go and see what the Angels said, but Herod inquired and said, bring back to me, that I may come and worship Him also?
We also see the wise men... They too when they saw they were exceedingly Joy. But, initially they went to the Palace to look for the King.
We see some unusual aspects of Christmas
Angels - Spoke to Mary, Joseph and the Shepherds.
Star - Showed the Path for the wisemen.
Dream - Came as a warning to the wisemen.
Angel in a dream - to Joseph
We see the Hardening of Heart, Herod Troubled, Angry.... And Dead.
James 1:15 says Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
Commercial Aspects of Christmas...
Now, today how do people receive this Good News of Great Joy for All People.
We still have Mary and Joseph for whom the birth of Jesus may be Joyful, but may have to undergo some trouble, some difficulties. But, as Jesus said,
John 16:21
A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.
The humility and obedience: Philippians 2:8
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
Shepherds: Let’s go and they spread the word... The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God.
Simeon: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.: “This child is destined to cause the falling(AC) and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
Anna: 36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Commercial aspect of Christmas:
Christmas - Today many people think about what can I gain through Christmas? Christ a threat to my business, my progress, my destiny as a sole owner of my life? So there is a manipulation of worship, Christmas is just to get my own things? Hardened heart, never repentant, Angry, rebellious, leads to evil schemes and finally death.
Proverbs 21:2
A person may think their own ways are right, but the LORD weighs the heart.
Proverbs 14:12
There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
Proverbs 16:25
There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
Today there are many who say, “I don't believe in Virgin Birth, though Jesus may be a savior. I don't think he is my God and Savior..etc
But, let us be like Mary, Joseph, Shepherds, Simeon, Anna etc and celebrate Christmas, Christ’s Birth, receive him with humility, humble ourselves and Spread the Good News to All the People, Praising And Glorifying God, no matter what the situation we are in, If God is for Us who can be against us?
We ultimately see that the King of Kings - Jesus gives up his life for the “Children”. A complete contrast in the objective, even before his death, Jesus washes his disciples feet - A completely different perspective of “Leadership” that Jesus teaches us is called “Servant Leadership”.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, May God Bless You
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