Luke 2:1-7

Reading 2 

Luke 2:1-7

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

I have always found it interesting the Bible uses few worlds to speak of Christmas.  In our western culture so much is made of birthdays and arguably as a result Christmas.  

Let me provide for us some us some facts.  In the book of Luke over 19,000 words are used.  Of those 19,000 plus words the specific account of Jesus’ birthday uses 8.  Stated differently Jesus’ birth narrative consumes 0.0004% of the book of Luke.  Wow!  Now I know sometimes the most important words used gain no merit or weight of significance based on numerics alone.  Still, clear from the text is that Luke’s intention for writing was not for the purpose of heart sentiment but rather an historically accurate record of factual events and to that point I think there is much application to consider.  

As I write this my personal birthday is next week.   A week from tomorrow at around 5:00 p.m. I will have been physically breathing the air of this planet for 41 years.  As I re-read this mornings passage two thoughts convict me regarding my upcoming birthday.  

First, I have learned frustrating problems develop when we join our hearts and minds toward sentiment of a particular day.  The day of Jesus’ birth was significant and I would adamantly argue the day of my birth and yours is significant.  However, a birthday or Christmas season should never be thought of or pursued as a means of fulfillment.  As Luke clearly reminds us through his account of Jesus’ birth a particular marker on the calendar is not about how fulfilled you are, it is about how fulfilled the scriptures are.   

Second, sentiment can be both a positive and a negative.  Tomorrow we will see that after Jesus’ birth Mary “treasures up all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2:18) Mary received word of who Christ would be and what role she would get to play in God’s plan and then experiences the promises of God’s Word.  As a result in her reflection or as could be understood sentiment she then “treasures” or remembers God’s goodness and faithfulness storing these memories and images deep within herself.  

I’m so grateful for my parents, my family, and all those who will wish me a happy birthday next week.  However, if I am not careful I can make the day all about me.  So rather than stand and declare next Wednesday February 17th as Corey day I’m challenged through the text to “treasure” all the days I have been given.  I am challenged to prayerfully consider God’s blessing of and on my life and the lives of those around me. Rather than spend disproportional quantities of time reflection on a day in 1980 I am challenged to consider and as a result reflect the hope and promises of God through His Word. He not only has sustained me for 41 years but in Christ promises to sustain me and anyone who will seek Him and trust His Word forever!!! 

Consider what birthdays and Christmas would look like if God’s people used just 0.0004% thinking about themselves and 99.9996% reflecting God’s grace through Christ'?