"In that region, there were shepherds who spent the night in the fields to watch over their flock at night. And lo, the angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terrified. The angel said to them: 'Do not be afraid; I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'" (Luke 2:8-12*)
When we recount the story of Christmas, we often pay special attention to two facts - where the Savior Jesus Christ was born and who were the first to receive news of His birth.
We know there are no coincidences in God's plan and that the entire earth belongs to God, so surely He could find the best place for His Son's birth on earth. Unfortunately, it is said in God's word that Mary "gave birth to her firstborn Son, wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:7*, bold font is ours)
God the Father does not change this fact. He does not make room for His little Son. Despite His holy origin and mission, Jesus does not enjoy preferences. He has no advantage over others and does not come to be served: "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45*). Since the Jews expect their Messiah, who comes as a king to free them from Roman rule, they hardly imagine He would be born in a stable to a most ordinary family.
The other extraordinary fact Dr. Luke reveals in his gospel is that the first to learn the good news of the Messiah's birth are not the courtiers in the royal palace or the richest and most prominent families in Judea, nor the high priest, but a group of shepherds. The Lord chooses to reveal the greatest story ever told to the most ordinary people. And not just by any means, but through angels. What do the shepherds think at this moment? Several notions and expectations surely crumble in their minds - their notions of themselves and expectations of the Savior.
If you are a shepherd in ancient Judea, perhaps you've heard stories around the evening fire about ancient prophecies and the promised Messiah. You might think they are legends; you might truly believe in them, but certainly, you would not imagine that the greatest person to come from the people of Israel would be born in a stable, and you would be the first to hear and see this. First, because you know your own origin and status, and people's attitudes towards you and, secondly, because you believe that the Messiah should at least be born like royal sons - in a palace, surrounded by servants, wrapped in the finest cloths, guarded by soldiers.
How wonderful it is when God actually shatters all our human notions and expectations to surprise us with His insight, righteousness, and love!
What are you expecting for the upcoming holidays? Do you already have a plan for where and with whom you will spend Christmas and New Year's Eve? Perhaps you've prepared gifts, or maybe you're worried you won't have the means for a nice dinner. All of this is in our minds - notions, forecasts, expectations, plans. If we can learn one lesson from the story of the Savior's birth and the passing extraordinary year of 2020, let it be this: leave your expectations in the stable with the Savior. Good or bad, big or small, colorful or gray, filled with fear or loaded with human hopes, let your expectations melt in the presence of Him who writes history. Allow Him to reveal to you where, how, and what lies ahead. This would save us many disappointments or unnecessary worry.
Challenge for the week: This year was definitely extraordinary; perhaps we would all almost call it "not good," but so was the time when Jesus was born on earth. Allow yourself to break from your personal holiday traditions. What can you do differently this time, to bring joy to the Savior and surprise yourself? Where do you see a need?
*Bible quotations according to the text of Bible, new translation from the original languages © Bulgarian Bible Society 2013.
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