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| Tom Fisher's flock of sheep. |
2 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.)
As one writer observed, Jesus was predicted a thousand years before His birth. But that claim is rather mild, since the Burning Bush displayed the dual nature of the Burning Bush, Exodus 3:14, And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you. Even earlier, Abraham trusted in God - Genesis 15:6 - And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness...and the future King David, and the Son of David.
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.
Is anything more common than having a baby, especially when treated as a commoner with no obvious benefits, poor housing for the mother and child, humble shepherds as staff, a food trough for a crib?!
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 Saviour, 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.
We need a revision of the shepherds in the field. The angels of the Bible are the most powerful forces under the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Angelic messengers are not cute stage-hands but soldiers who accomplish anything needed and reveal what needs to be said. The magnificent display in the fields was blocked off from the hoi polloi (everyone else, even royalty) while they marched over to meet the tiny Prince.
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.
Their AWOL was God-inspired, so the shepherds knew among themselves what they needed to do and to say. While mankind is always figuring out how to grab riches and force dominance, God sets the stage for the next level of His majesty. He multiplied the opportunities for the tiny child to lead His people, His nation, and His world. But that was 30 years into the future. How often we cheer the instant thrill and overlook the divine riches ahead.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.
This was just the beginning, but a change from Promises to fulfillment. The disciples and Paul would deal with the most wrenching trials, fears, dismay, and terror. But they had the strength of their Savior to follow in His steps. The Faith of Jesus is our guide, a Bible with an endless supply of the Spirit at work in the Word.
Psalm 91 - daily reading
91 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
