503. LUK 2:10-11. THE BIRTH OF JESUS
Luk_2:10-11. The Birth Of Jesus
(INTENDED FOR CHRISTMAS DAY)
"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."’97Luk_2:10-11.
The subject of the text is the nativity of the world’s Redeemer; an event of a most astonishing and glorious description; an unprecedented event; an event which only occurred once within the history of the world. Every thing concerning Jesus is matter of delightful contemplation to the Christian. His name is as precious ointment poured forth. Let us, then, with humble views of grateful delight direct our meditations to the nativity of the Son of God, In doing this we shall confine our thoughts to the text. We have,
I. The messenger employed.
"The angel of the Lord." More probably one of the most exalted of all the cherubic hosts. One of the dignified sons of light. One of those who witnessed the creation of our world, and who with his holy companions, as morning stars, sang together, when all the sons of God shouted for joy. An ambassador from heaven to earth; from God to man. A service of unrivalled glory and benevolence; calculated to excite wonder and abundant praise. By the redemption which is in Christ angels become our brethren, our friends, and our companions forever. It is probable their joys and honors are greatly advanced by the work of the Messiah.
II. The persons addressed.
Jewish shepherds, ver. 8, 9. This is decisive evidence that the incarnation did not take place in December, but rather in September or October. After the beginning of October the weather was too cold for the flocks in the mountainous region of Bethlehem. What a contrast between the ambassador and those to whom he appeared. How different, too, to he doings of mea-and to human expectations. It would have been supposed, the tidings should have been given to kings, or philosophers, or assuredly to the priests, &c. "But God’s ways," &c. In all the works and life of Christ God poured contempt upon worldly glory and distinctions. In his parentage, &c.; in his condition of life; in his disciples, &c.; in his chief followers. God has especially honored the calling of shepherds; Abel, Jacob, Moses, David, and many of the prophets. Notice,
III. The message communicated.
Now the angel not only stated this but affixed to it, "I bring you," &c. These tidings are the birth of the Saviour.
1. He describes his person.
(1) Saviour; Christ; Lord. His errand, work, and object was to save; to redeem men; to ransom the lost world. He was typified, predicted, promised, &c. as a Saviour. Not a temporal but spiritual; not a Saviour of men from earthly bondage, &c., but a Saviour of souls from eternal death to eternal glory.
(2) Christ. The same with Messias: that is, the Anointed One. One sent, commissioned, and qualified by Jehovah. The ancient kings and priests were anointed with oil, &c. Christ with the Holy Ghost without measure.
(3) The Lord. Here is the dignity, power, and glory of this Saviour. "A virgin shall conceive," &c. "Unto us a child is born," &c. "God manifest in the flesh," &c.
2. He announces his birth.
"Is born," &c. Not promised; not prophesied afresh. Prophecies had ceased, &c. The scene of types has ended. Now the event. The long prayed and longed for event. The years accomplished. The fulness of the times. The place, too, according to prediction. Mic_5:2.
3. He affirms this to be an event of good tidings, &c.
Tidings of divine grace and salvation. All other tidings insignificant. A physician for a sick world. A Redeemer. Tidings of light, of life, of happiness, and of eternal glory. "Good tidings of great joy."
4. He notices the universal application of these good tidings "You." The Jews, &c. first. Yes; Christ was emphatically their Saviour; he was of their seed; he lived, &c. with them.
But "all people." How cheering to the Gentiles. All the Gentiles. "All people." How vast the comprehension; how universal. Wherever we find even a horde of wandering savages Christ is born for them. All people. All classes, countries, ages, &c.
Application
1. Is the end of Christ’s birth answered in you?
Is he yours indeed?
2. If so rejoice.
Let it be spiritual, holy, constant, and then it will be eternal.
3 Caution against the evils of the season.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS