Category: Advent

^{36 “}And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, ³⁷ and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. ³⁸ And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:36–38)

Anna is another Christmas character who is often overlooked or just plain forgotten. Yet, Luke’s mention of her in his gospel account is significant. What do we know about Anna?

First, Anna was a prophetess. She was a woman who proclaimed inspired utterances on behalf of God. As one commentary explains, “Although the Old Testament did include prophetesses, they were much less prominent than male prophets in the Jewish tradition of this period. The name “Anna” is the Hebrew name “Hannah” (1 Sam 1:2).”

Anna was the daughter of Phanuel. Nothing more is said of Anna’s father. However, they were both from the Jewish Tribe of Asher.

The text goes on to say that Anna “was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, ³⁷ and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.

Dr. John Walvoord explains that, “This godly woman from the prophetic tradition continued the work Simeon had started. Anna was 84 years old and had devoted herself completely to the Lord’s service in the temple since her husband had died years before.”

Another commentator says, “Jewish and Greco-Roman culture often viewed widows who never remarried as pious and faithful. Judith, a famous widow in Jewish tradition, was said to have lived as a widow till her death at 105. If one adds the two numbers given in the text here, seven and eighty-four (taking eighty-four as the length of Anna’s widowhood rather than her age), and she was married at the common age of fourteen, one could see her as 105 also.^”

As Simeon was proclaiming his prophetic utterances about Jesus to Mary and Joseph, Anna just happened upon the scene. Anna began to give thanks to God announcing to any and all that Jesus was the redemption of Jerusalem. There are no coincidences.

Thus far in the biblical text, the birth of Jesus has been met with joy and gladness. However, the fallen world’s hatred of God and His Messianic gift will soon be rejected and hated. This hatred will be part of the key narrative regarding wise visitors from the east who come seeking He who was born King of the Jews.

Remember that as you seek to share the gospel, there will be those who not only will reject and hate the gospel’s message but will also hate you for sharing it. Always be prepared (I Peter 3:15).

Until then, may the Lord’s truth and grace continue to be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

 

 

^33 “And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. ³⁴ And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed ³⁵ (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:33-35)

Simeon’s response upon seeing the baby Jesus was praise and prophecy. Joseph and Mary’s response upon hearing what Simeon had to say was astonishment and wonder.

Simeon then blessed the young family in general and spoke to Mary in particular. He said, ““Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed ³⁵ (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” Simeon said four significant things.

First, he said that Jesus Christ was appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel. This means that there would be those who would reject Jesus and the gospel while others would receive both in their conversion. Scripture clearly teaches that for the unbeliever Jesus Christ is a stone of stumbling (1 Pet. 2:8). However, for those who are converted in Christ, God raises them unto new life (Eph. 2:6). Cf. Isa. 8:14–15; Hos. 14:9; 1 Cor. 1:23–24. 

Second, Jesus Christ is a sign that is opposed. Simeon mentioned only the verbal insults hurled at Christ, but the figure of speech involves more than that. It involves Israel’s rejection, hatred, and crucifixion of the Messiah.

Thirdly, Simeon said that a sword would also pierce May’s soul. Undoubtedly, this is a reference to the pain and sorrow Mary would experience when she witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus.

Finally, Simeon said that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed. People’s true nature is revealed when the subject is the person and work of Jesus Christ. The rejection of the Messiah would not only reveal the appalling truth about the apostate state of the Jews but also the ungodliness of the Gentiles (Romans 1:18-32).  

Simeon’s prophetic song and subsequent revelation to Mary clearly sets forth Jesus’ mission as culminating in the cross and later, the resurrection. The birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the pivotal point of history. Do you recognize this as such?

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

^25:” Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. ²⁶ And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. ²⁷ And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, ²⁸ he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, ²⁹ “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; ³⁰ for my eyes have seen your salvation ³¹ that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, ³² a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:25–32)

Last time, we saw from today’s text that Simeon was a special man. He was righteous, devout, waiting for the Messiah’s arrival (the consolation of Israel), was anointed by the Holy Spirit and had received a special promise from God. That promise made by God is found in Luke 2:26 which says, “And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.”

The question is, did God keep His promise to Simeon? Yes, He did. Luke 2:27-28 says that, “And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, ²⁸ he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,…”

As you may recall from our previous blog, Mary and Joseph had come to Jerusalem not only to have Jesus circumcised (Lev. 12:3), but also to present their firstborn to God (Ex. 13:2, 12) 33 days later and to bring an offering for Mary’s purification after childbirth (Lev. 12:1–8). It was during this dedication and purification observance that Simeon came onto the scene.

Simeon’s song of praise is called the “Nunc Dimittis” which is from Latin meaning either “now you dismiss” or “now you are letting depart.” Simeon said, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; ³⁰ for my eyes have seen your salvation ³¹ that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, ³² a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

Dr. John Walvoord writes, “On seeing the Child and picking Him up, Simeon … praised God, the response of godly people toward the Messiah throughout the Gospel of Luke. He then uttered a psalm of praise extolling God for fulfilling His promise by bringing salvation. The Messiah is the Source of salvation, as His name Jesus indicates. In all three of the hymns of thanksgiving and praise recorded by Luke in his first two chapters (1:46–55, 68–79; 2:29–32) lie the deep significance of the births of John and Jesus for the salvation of Israel and the world. Simeon noted that the Messiah was to be for the Gentiles as well as for Israel. The idea of salvation for the Gentiles is set forth many times in the Gospel of Luke.”

Dr. John MacArthur comments that, “It is significant that with messianic expectation running so high (cf. 3:15), and with the many OT prophecies that spoke of his coming, still only a handful of people realized the significance of Christ’s birth. Most of them, including Simeon, received some angelic message or other special revelation to make the fulfillment of the OT prophecies clear.”

What was Mary and Joseph’s response to Simeon’s psalm of praise? We will examine this when next we meet. Until then, may we praise the Lord for His person and work in redeeming lost souls such as ours.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!   

^25:” Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. ²⁶ And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. ²⁷ And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, ²⁸ he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, ²⁹ “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; ³⁰ for my eyes have seen your salvation ³¹ that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, ³² a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:25–32)

Has anyone ever made you a promise? It doesn’t really matter what the promise may have been about.  The issue is that a promise was made. It may have been a trip to Dairy Queen, a birthday present request, or maybe a person who said to you “till death do us part.”  

Whatever promises you may have received, I’m sure some of them were broken. Whatever the reason, the individual in question did not keep their promise to you. How did you feel? Disappointed? Hurt? Angry? All of the above?

Did you trust them again when they made a promise to never break a promise? I suspect you were more than a little skeptical, and had already erected some emotional walls in order to insulate you from further hurt because of future broken promises.

In today’s text, we read about a man named Simeon. He is relatively obscure within the hallowed halls of God’s saints but Luke records some significant information about him.

First, Simeon was righteous. This means that he was in a right relationship with God. He was a man who God had justified by grace alone, through faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone, even though that work was still future for Simeon.

Second, Simeon was devout. He was a God-fearing, pious and reverent man. In other words, he not only was righteous in his standing before God, but he was also righteous in his behavior among his fellow man.

Third, Simeon was waiting for the consolation of Israel. What exactly does this phrase mean? The consolation of Israel refers to the mediator, helper and encourager God the Father would send in the person of the Messiah. The Messiah was coming on behalf of Israel. This Messianic title is taken from Isa. 25:9; 40:1–2; 66:1–11.

Fourth, The Holy Spirit was upon Simeon. He was supernaturally anointed by the Spirit of God even as all believers in Christ are today (Romans 8:9).

Finally, God had made Simeon a promise. It was a unique promise. No one else in all of Scripture had received such a promise from God.

What exactly was the promise God exclusively gave Simeon?  Luke 2:26 says, “And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.”

Wow! That is some promise. The question is, did God keep His promise? The answer is, absolutely. As we shall soon see. God kept His promise then to Simeon as He keeps His promises to believers in Christ today.

Remember the words of this classic hymn.

Standing on the promises of Christ my King
Through eternal ages let his praises ring
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing
Standing on the promises of God my Savior
Standing, standing
I’m standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises, I cannot fall
Listening every moment to the Spirit’s call
Resting in my Savior as my all in all
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing
Standing on the promises of Christ my Savior
Standing, standing
I’m standing on the promises of God.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

 

²² And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord ²³ (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) ²⁴ and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” (Luke 2:22-24)

Not only were Mary and Joseph obedient to God’s Word regarding Jesus’ circumcision eight days following His birth, but they also were obedient with respect to the purification law. What exactly was the Law of Purification?

The purification laws involved the process’ by which an unclean person, according to the Levitical law, and therefore cut off from the sanctuary and the festivals, was restored to the enjoyment of all these privileges. The great annual purification of the people was on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16).

According to Easton’s Bible Dictionary, there were special causes of ceremonial uncleanness which were provided for by ceremonial laws enacted for each separate case. For example, the case of the leper (Lev. 13, 14), and of the house defiled by leprosy (14:49–53; see also Matt. 8:2–4). Uncleanness from touching a dead body (Num. 19:11; Hos. 9:4; Hag. 2:13; Matt. 23:27; Luke 11:44). The case of the high priest and of the Nazarite (Lev. 21:1–4, 10, 11; Num. 6:6, 7; Ezek. 44:25).

Purification was effected by bathing and washing the clothes (Lev. 14:8, 9); by washing the hands (Deut. 21:6; Matt. 27:24); washing the hands and feet (Ex. 30:18–21; Heb. 6:2, “baptisms”, R.V. marg., “washings;” 9:10); sprinkling with blood and water (Ex. 24:5–8; Heb. 9:19), etc. Allusions to this rite are found in Ps. 26:6; 51:7; Ezek. 36:25; Heb. 10:22.

 The ceremonial laws of purification applied to the Jews before the Passover (John 11:55), and for those who were slain in battle (Num. 31:19–24). They also applied to women before marriage (Esth. 2:12), after menstruation (Lev. 15:19–33; 2 Sam. 11:4), and after childbirth (Lev. 12:6–8; Luke 2:22).

As one Bible scholar explains, “A woman who bore a son was ceremonially unclean for 40 days (twice that if she bore a daughter—Lev. 12:2–5). After that she was to offer a yearling lamb and a dove or pigeon (Lev. 12:6). If poor, she could offer two doves or pigeons (Lev. 12:8). Mary’s offering indicates that she and Joseph were poor (Luke 2:24). The dedication of the firstborn son was also required by Moses’ law (Luke 2:23, cf. Ex. 13:2, 12–15).”   

 This scene provides us with a window as to what Mary and Joseph were occupied with doing immediately following Jesus’ birth. In short, they were dedicated to serving the Lord and being obedient to His revealed Word.

The immediate aftermath of Jesus’ birth, the angelic announcement to the shepherds and the shepherds visit to the manger scene had given way to the regular, day to day discipline of living obediently before the Lord and other people. Truly, Mary and Joseph were what God calls all of His children to be: holy before the Lord (I Peter 1:16; Leviticus 11:44). Let it be said of us.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

²¹ And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb” (Luke 2:21).

Luke 2:21 on the surface seems to be one of those so-called throw away verses that does not advance our knowledge of Jesus Christ or the gospel for that matter. Nothing could be further from the truth. Today’s text displays the obedience of Mary and Joseph to have Jesus circumcised. It illustrates that in all aspects, Jesus was submissive to the Mosaic Law.

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin of the male reproductive organ. In Bible times circumcision was the seal of God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:1–14). While circumcision originated as an ancient tribal or religious rite, since the early part of 20^th century it has been practiced in Western nations for hygienic purposes. Many physicians believe that circumcision helps prevent genital cancers in both men and their wives, so that this minor operation is performed a few days after birth on nearly all newborn males in North America. Outside of Judaism the procedure no longer carries religious significance.

In the Old Testament, the practice of circumcision began in Genesis 17 as a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham. God promised Abraham a land and, through a son yet to be conceived, numerous descendants, from whom kings would come. Blessings would come upon Abraham and through him to all nations (Genesis 12:1–3). After the covenant was formally inaugurated (Genesis 15), God sealed it, ordering Abraham to be circumcised along with all the males in his household (17:9–13).

Circumcision was to be an expression of faith that God’s promises would be realized. Because Abraham’s faith had lapsed (Genesis 16) even after he had seen the awesome display of God’s majesty (15:9–17), a permanent reminder of God’s covenant promises was placed on his body and the bodies of his male descendants (17:11). This sign was so closely related to God’s covenant promise that the rite itself could be termed the “covenant” (Genesis 17:10; Acts 7:8).

Circumcision was to be performed on the eighth day after birth (Genesis 17:12; Leviticus 12:1–3; see also Genesis 21:4; Luke 1:59; 2:21; Acts 7:8; Phil 3:5), customarily by the boy’s father (Genesis 17:23; 21:4; Acts 7:8), at which time a name would be given (Luke 1:59; 2:21). Flint knives were used in the early days (Ex 4:25; Jos 5:2–3). Later, the rite was carried out by a trained practitioner called a mohel. Medical research has determined that prothrombin, a substance in the blood that aids in clotting, is present in greater quantity on the eighth day than at any other time in life.

The theological meaning of circumcision had to do with the fulfillment of God’s promise concerning Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 17:9–12). Because it was applied to the reproductive organ, the sign involved the propagation of the race. Its application to the eight-day-old infant demonstrates the gracious character of God’s promise to Abraham’s descendants and indicates that God’s people are in need of cleansing grace from birth (Leviticus 12:1–3). The promises of the covenant were reaffirmed to each generation before the recipients were able to respond in either faith or unbelief; nothing in the hearts of the chosen people could either bring about or thwart the ultimate fulfillment of the promises given to Abraham and his posterity.

From the beginning, participation in the covenant promises was open to persons outside Abraham’s household (Genesis 17:12–13). Exodus 12:43–49 gives non-Israelites the opportunity to participate in the Passover if they are willing to fulfill the same stipulation placed upon the Jews—that of circumcision.

Joseph and Mary made sure that their baby was circumcised in keeping with the stipulations found in the Mosaic Law. It was at this moment that they called the child Jesus. This was in obedience to the angel’s declaration to both Joseph and Mary (Matthew 1:21, 25; Luke 1:31).

This scene certainly not only displays the active obedience of Mary and Joseph to God’s Word, but also the passive obedience to God by Jesus Christ. May our obedience to God and His Word be not only active but also passive in all things.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

^15” When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. ¹⁷ And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. ¹⁸ And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. ²⁰ And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them” (Luke 2:15–20).

What is to be the believer’s response to any revelation from God? When God reveals a truth from His Word, what is to be our reaction? Doubt? Dismay? Disbelief? Skepticism? How about worship and obedience?

The shepherds displayed heartfelt obedience and eventual worship to the announcement that a Savior had been born in Bethlehem. They immediately said to one another, ““Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And that’s exactly what they decided to do.

“And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger” (Luke 2:16). The shepherds did not decide to take a casual stroll in journeying to Bethlehem. The text says they went with haste. The Greek grammar reveals that the shepherds traveled quickly with a great fervency within their entire being. It is obvious they wanted to find this infant.

Did they leave their sheep unchaperoned? Unattended? The text does not explicitly say. Perhaps they brought their lambs with them. We do not know for certain. What we do know is that the shepherds attention and focus was no longer on their flock of sheep but rather upon finding the Lamb of God (John 1:29).

When they arrived in Bethlehem they eventually found the baby Jesus lying in a manger. It was Christmas night. ¹⁷ And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. ¹⁸ And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them” (Luke 2:17-18).

The shepherds immediately told everyone what they had seen and heard from the angel. Everyone who heard the news that night marveled at what the shepherds had to say. Beyond Mary and Joseph, we do not explicitly know how many people were in attendance. However many were there, they all were amazed at the shepherds news.

What was Mary’s response and reaction?  ^19 “But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). Mary treasured (συντηρέω; syntereo) all which had occurred. That is, she made a mental note to remember everything that had happened. She also pondered (συμβάλλω; symballo). This means she carefully reflected upon and seriously thought about the implications of all which was said.

What did the shepherds do? ²⁰ And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them” (Luke 2:20). The shepherds returned to the fields to resume their work, but they were changed men. They glorified (δοξάζω; doxazo) God. They praised (αἰνέω; aineo) God. Their worship of the Lord was a result of everything they had heard and seen that evening. They revered the Lord due to the revelation from the Lord.

Is that our response when we encounter a revelation from God through His Word? I hope so.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

^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 among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:13-14)

As of yet, we do not know how the shepherds responded to the angel’s declaration. We’ll see that later on in Luke 2. However, in today’s text we do witness the angelic response to the angelic announcement.

Upon completing the revelation from God concerning the birth of Christ, there immediately appeared with the angel a large number of other angels. An army of angels, if you will. Their appearance coincided with their singular praising of God and God alone.

In their praise they continually said, ““Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” It should be noted that the text does not say they sang but their words resound with the pure and holy praise for God. Let’s examine their statement in detail.

Glory (δόξα; doxa) means to attribute to God praise, splendor for His amazing might. God is the object of this praise.

In the highest (ὕψιστος; hypsistos) refers to God as the most High God. God is a world above the earth. He is from heaven on high.

And on earth (γῆ; ge) means this world of fallen and sinful people God has brought peace (εἰρήνη; eirene) tranquility and a freedom from worry. This is accomplished by the birth and incarnation of the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

Who are the specific ones who will receive this peace? It is among those with whom he is pleased!  This is a statement in reference to the gracious of God. God’s peace of justification (Romans 5:1) is a gracious gift to those who are the objects of his pleasure (Ephesians 1:3-11).

Dr. R. C. Sproul explains that, “As God receives glory in the highest heaven where He resides, so the objects of His grace receive peace on earth.”

 As a child of God, do you recognize that you are an object of God’s grace and peace? If so, take time today to worship and thank the Lord for His wonderful gifts.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

^8 “And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. ¹⁰ And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and 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 among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:8-14)

An unidentified angel suddenly appeared to a group of shepherds abiding in the field watching over their flock. What was the angel’s message which he said was “good news of great joy that will be for all the people?”

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). The phrase “For unto you” immediately refers to the shepherds, but also Israel and eventually mankind. “Is born this day” speaks of the reality of Jesus’ birth having occurred on the same day as the angel’s appearance to the shepherds. “In the city of David” is a clear contextual reference to Bethlehem. “A Savior” indicates the special significance of this child’s birth over against any other child’s birth. “Who is Christ the Lord” indicates the specific identify of this child: God in human form.

How would the shepherds be able to find this newborn child? The angel continued by saying, “And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12). The word sign (σημεῖον; semeion) means an event of a scene which has a special meaning. If the shepherds were to journey to Bethlehem to find this child, which they did, they would be able to identify Him because He not only would be wrapped saddling cloths but also He would be lying in a manger. An unusual location for a newborn child.

Puritan Matthew Henry writes, “The sign was to consist, it seems, solely in the overpowering contrast between the things just said of Him and the lowly condition in which they would find Him—Him whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting, “ye shall find a Babe”; whom the heaven of heavens cannot contain, “wrapt in swaddling bands”; the “Saviour, Christ the Lord,” lying in a manger! Thus early were these amazing contrasts, which are His chosen style, held forth.”

2 Corinthians 8:9 says, ^9 “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”  

Henry Barraclough (1891-1983) was born in Windhill, Yorkshire, England. He was educated in England, and studied organ and piano from the age of 5. He worked for a while as a claims adjuster for the Car and General Insurance Company. From 1911-1913, he was secretary to George Scott Robertson, a Member of Parliament. He then joined the Chapman-Alexander evangelistic team as a pianist, and traveled with them to America and remained there. He fought in World War I, then became secretary, and later an administrator, of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, 1919-1961.

He wrote 20 hymn texts and 120 tunes. His most familiar hymn arguably would be Ivory Palaces.

1. My Lord has garments so wondrous fine,
   and myrrh their texture fills;
   its fragrance reached to this heart of mine
   with joy my being thrills.
   • Refrain:
     Out of the ivory palaces,
     into a world of woe,
     Only His great eternal love
     made my Savior go.
2. His life had also its sorrows sore,
   for aloes had a part;
   and when I think of the cross He bore,
   my eyes with teardrops start.
3. His garments, too, were in cassia dipped,
   with healing in a touch;
   in paths of sin had my feet e’er slipped—
   He’s saved me from its clutch.
4. In garments glorious He will come,
   to open wide the door;
   And I shall enter my heav’nly home,
   to dwell forevermore.

Take time today to thank the Lord Jesus Christ for being willing to leave the ivory palaces of heaven and come to this world of woe in order to save your soul.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

^8 “And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. ¹⁰ And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and 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 among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:8-14)

At the same time as the birth of Jesus Christ was taking place in Bethlehem, there were in the same countryside or region shepherds. These were men who took care of sheep and goats. Presumably, some of these sheep would be chosen for sacrifice at the Temple in Jerusalem or selected for each individual families Passover Lamb.

These shepherds were out in the field. They were living outdoors because they were keeping watch over their flock. They were guarding their flock of sheep from potential predators and danger. The text also informs us that it was nighttime. In other words, aside from any presumed bonfire the shepherds may have made, or stars visible in the night sky, it was dark.

One commentator explains that, “Bethlehem was nearby Jerusalem, and many of the sheep used in the temple sacrifices came from there. The surrounding hills were prime grazing land, and shepherds worked in the area day and night, all year round. Therefore it is not possible to draw any conclusion about the time of year by the fact that shepherds were living out in the fields.”

It was during this nighttime setting that “an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.” What a striking visual contrast to what existed just moments prior to this angel’s appearance. Darkness gave way to the glory of the Lord. Tranquility and relaxation gave way to great fear. The uncommon eclipsed the common.  The unfamiliar outshone the familiar. The sacred replaced the secular.

The great fear the shepherds experienced is described in the Authorized Version (KJV) as being “sore afraid.” Not “so afraid” but “sore afraid.” Their bodies ached from fear.

“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” The angel, as God’s messenger, commanded the shepherds to not fear, but rather to pay close attention. This was because the angel was bringing them good news of great joy. This good news would not only be for the shepherds but for all kinds of people.

It is interesting to note that shepherds were considered lower class by the Jewish culture. One commentary explains that, “Due to the proximity to Jerusalem, some scholars have suggested that the flocks here are the temple flocks raised for sacrifice. This narrative would have challenged the values of many religious people, who despised shepherds; shepherds’ work kept them from participation in the religious activities of their communities.”

 What was the good news the angel possessed? We will examine the rest of today’s text when next we meet. Until then, remember that God chooses ordinary people, like shepherds, to do extraordinary work.

Soli deo Gloria!