Wednesday 25 December 2024
And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (v. 7)
Background
Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus is beautifully written. These are familiar words to many people of faith and no faith. Luke is precise in making sure we know where, when and in what manner Jesus was born. The political context of the time is declared by Luke – we are told that the Emperor Augustus had ordered a census and we are told that Quirinius was governor of Syria. Luke’s narrative of the birth of Jesus makes clear that it takes place against the background of the Roman Empire. Luke is less interested in the details of Herod, the local ruler, in contrast to the account in Matthew’s Gospel.
The people comply with the Roman Empire's census and so Mary and Joseph go to be counted. While in Bethlehem their baby is born in a feeding trough in a cattleshed because there is no room for these outsiders in the inn, even outsiders expecting a baby.
Luke speaks of the birth of a new leader, from the house and lineage of David, Jesus, whose birth will bring good news for all the people, ensuring a lasting promise of peace and goodwill for all who trust in him. Luke seems to be asking us in whom, or what will we place our trust. He encourages us to discern where and in whom is true hope to be found.
Luke tells us of the shepherds who while out in the fields hear the good news of the birth of Jesus and rush to visit and worship him. Luke is always keen for his readers to know that in God's kingdom announced by Jesus there is always room for outsiders. The first to hear the good news are the shepherds who were regarded as ungodly men as, due to their long periods of time on the hillside caring for their flocks, they were not seen in the synagogues praying. Luke wants us to be clear that the good news of the birth of Jesus is for all the world, not just those who think of themselves as godly people.
To Ponder:
- Who are the outsiders in your community? How can you help to provide a welcome?
- What helps us to discern if someone or something is trustworthy?
- How can we make room in our lives for God?
Prayer
Lord, may the stunning, eternal, simplicity of the Christmas story be ours this day and every day. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Helen Cameron
Helen Cameron is a presbyter of the Methodist Church and currently serves as President of the Methodist Conference.
A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS to all our readers from the 'A Word in Time' team and The Methodist Church. May you have a happy, blessed day, and we thank you for your company and comments during 2024.