Eventually she realized it was not a dream. It was an actual visitation by the messengers of the creator God Jehovah. Angels had spoken directly to her. She was the chosen vessel which every woman in Israel desired to be. Immediately she declared her obedience and willingness. Of course she would. There is no greater honor than to be the one chosen to give birth to the Messiah, God’s Anointed. Everything which she had heard was swimming in her head. “The Holy Ghost would come upon her. The power of the Most High God, He is to be called the Son of God.” This is so wonderful, I can’t wait to tell Jos…. Wait, HOW can I tell Joseph?
Eventually he realized this was no ordinary dream. His confusion and jumbled prayers had just been answered by an actual visitation from the Angel of the creator God Jehovah. He had been so confused and hurt when Mary had told him that she was pregnant. He had cried out in his prayers and God had sent His messenger. WOW! The son of the Highest! I know it is the middle of the night but I must relieve Mary’s fears. I WILL call His name Jesus!
The road was dusty. It was a long journey for a young pregnant wife. Yet she felt so blessed. Her husband was far kinder than any husband she had ever heard of. He would make such a fine father. He had worked hard to earn the money for their taxes. And now they were entering the city where they would be paid, the city of David, Bethlehem. It was her fault they were so late. He had stopped many more times than he hoped, to give her rest. Now as they moved from one inn to another, they found no lodging. Finally one of the kind owners gave them permission to use the stable with the animals. Anything out of the night air was fine. She was ready; so very ready.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. No room; she didn’t even think about it now. In her arms was the most beautiful child the world had ever seen. Oh, of course every mother says that, but she knew He IS the Son of God. Joseph was beaming like a newly created heavenly star. And just as he promised, he said “His name is Jesus!”
Eventually the shepherds realized what they had seen was not a dream. It was an actual visitation by the messengers of the creator God Jehovah. Angels had spoken directly to them. Their fears were soon replaced with spiritual goose bumps, no, God bumps; over every inch of their bodies. The glory of the Lord Himself had lit up the dark night sky. Immediately they declared their need to go and see. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. You would have thought it was their own son who had been born. They were praising God and shouting “Glory in the Highest. Peace the angel said and good will. The son of God is born”.
And on the eighth day, according to the custom of the people in obedience to God the creator, He was circumcised and officially given the name as told by God’s messengers. He called His name Jesus. Then, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him before the Lord at the temple. As they gratefully came to offer the sacrifices required in the law, one of the older faithful servants of the Lord approached them. He had been told by God that he would see the Lord’s Christ before he would die. As the Holy Spirit guided him, Simeon realized, here in front of him, on that day, was the very one he waited so patiently for. Then he took him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, “Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation.”
Then turning to Mary he said “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against. Yes, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also. It will be so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. “A sword to pierce my own soul?” Mary wondered what it all meant.
Neither of them could foresee what was to come to pass in the next thirty three years. The piercing of her heart came many times at the hands of judgmental people. They did not know. They could not know; except it be revealed to them by God Himself. Finally she stood at the foot of the cross where He was crucified. Then three nights and three days in the borrowed tomb. Then came the morning. He was not there. He was risen. And in the prayer room when He appeared before all, she knew. She knew that the voice of the Angel of God who had spoken peace into her heart many years ago had been right. She bowed on her knees before Him and received the forgiveness He promises to all who will believe. She had birthed salvation into the world and now the Risen Son of God gave her the salvation she needed to erase her sins.
Just as each one of you need that same child born on that beautiful night to be your savior as well. Without the death, burial and resurrection of the Son of God, you have no hope of heaven. Without His salvation you have no hope of knowing true peace on earth nor understanding good will toward men. Without asking His forgiveness He will never cleanse you from your sin and become your Lord and Savior. Just as Simeon prophesied when Jesus was only eight days old at the temple “the thoughts of many are revealed” here tonight. Has the Spirit of the living God placed His salvation into your breast or do you need to do that tonight?
Eventually you must bow your knee before Him. Before this Child Born on Christmas Day.