Christmas really is simple; despite all we have done to complicate it. It’s a simple story, a simple message. God’s gift of salvation had arrived in the form of a helpless baby, completely dependent upon simple parents who welcomed Him and loved Him.
Oh sure, there were angels appearing to shepherds and a caravan of Magi from the east who arrived later with gifts, but before all that there were simply a humble man, a trusting young woman, and God’s child.
Joseph had been told by an angel in a dream that the child conceived in Mary was from the Holy Spirit. The angel in the dream had instructed him: “Joseph, son of David do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus for he will save his people from their sins.” [Matt 1:20-21 NLT]
“When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.” [Matt 1:24-25 NLT]
Now, about six months later, all that had come to pass. Before too long the shepherds would arrive with the most wonderful of confirmations … an angel had appeared to them to announce the birth of God’s Child. They had come to worship Him.
What began in travail must have turned to joy before that night was over. “Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.” [Ps 30:5 NKJV]
Wonder of wonders!
