The Birth of the Savior

The miracle of all miracles is related very simply by Luke. Yet the few phrases with which he describes this wonder are weighty in content.

And so it was, that, while they were there. When Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem, the Lord was also there. Luke means to say: stand still and consider. Here God is certainly speaking, executing His will and counsel. God is busy fulfilling His promises, bringing His Son into the world.

But then we must also read verse 1 in the same sense. It looks as if all things are subject to the power and the decree of Caesar Augustus. Has he not commanded that all the world should be taxed? Does not Caesar decree what he wills? Yes, it does seem so, but it is not so. This powerful, earthly ruler who permits himself to be honored as a god, is nothing more than a puny instrument in the hands of the Almighty God. The mighty Caesar cannot stand in the way of the Lord. In the smallest particulars he is active in fulfilling the counsel of God.

The prophet Micah had said that the Lord Jesus should be born in Bethlehem and now the promise is being fulfilled. The way of Joseph and Mary is revealed in Gods Word. This is also true of all Gods children. Still this way is often filled with riddles.

It is certainly true that the Lord is with them, but this doesnt mean that the nearness of the Lord is always comfortably experienced.

See Joseph and Mary walking in Bethlehem. They go from one house to another, but find no place anywhere. Is that Gods way? Have you ever come with the promise of God to an impossibility? Does it seem that everything is against the promise and that nothing ever will become of it? Then let the example of Joseph and Mary encourage you. The Lord generally works through impossibility from our side so that He alone will receive the honor.

Finally, they arrive in a stable. Even in the inn there is no room for them because in reality there is no place for the Lord Jesus. In this world fellowship with Christ brings suffering with it. He has said: In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. You can rather be mocked because you fear the Lord than be praised as someone who serves the world.

The Lord Jesus did not merely take our flesh and blood from the Virgin Mary, but He also descended into our deepest humiliation. Therefore it pleased Him to be born in a stable, so that the Christmas message might be the more spacious.

And who are they who have an interest in the place where Jesus is born? Only those who have learned to know their own hearts as evil, depraved and unclean. Do not try to make a cradle for Christ with your tears and frames. He doesnt want to use any of these things. It is only lost sinners that He will save. Whatever more we think of ourselves is too much.

May the Holy Ghost discover this to us and make place in our hearts for the born Savior, for the first time or by renewal.

Rev. R. Boogard is pastor of the Gereformeerde Gemeente (Netherlands Reformed Congregation) at Leiden, the Netherlands.

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