Today is Christmas. Among all the presents, decorated trees and Christmas cookies, we should take a moment and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.
The following comes from the Book of Luke.
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Who were these people, Mary and Joseph?
The baby Jesus should have never had a chance. He was supernaturally conceived with an unwed teenage mother from Nazareth. His mother’s betrothed was a simple tradesman, a carpenter.
The Nazareens were not well respected among the Israelites. They were considered lower class and the butt of jokes. There was a saying “Nothing good comes from Nazareth.” Kind of like “How many Nazareens does it take to screw in a light bulb.”
Joseph and Mary were poor; dirt poor. In the story of their journey to Bethlehem, we are told they had to go to the manger because there was no room in the inn. The inns were likely very crowded as everyone was arriving for the census. But it is just as likely they had to stay in the manger because they couldn’t afford to stay in the inn.
Here is a child, conceived out of wedlock to a teenage mother and a step-father who had no money from a people considered low lives who was born in a barn.
He was also the most important and influential baby ever born on earth. He came to save all of humanity.
Merry Christmas from Hilltop Haven Farms!
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