December 10, 2021
Scripture: Luke 2: 10-12
There was no star to guide them. It's not widely talked about, but the star did not appear until later. It guided the wisemen to the 'child'. So, how did the shepherds know where to find Christ The Lord? Remember, Bethlehem was overflowing with people. This baby could have been anywhere!
"And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: (emphasis mine) you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
Gabriel gave the shepherds a sign.
Here are the clues that told the shepherds EXACTLY where to go:
- swaddling clothes
- a feeding trough/ manger
The shepherds did not ask further questions or need clarification. Verse 16 says they went with haste!
So, how did they know?
Since they were shepherd priests (discussed in yesterday's study), they would have been the only shepherds in the area. They were in charge of raising sheep to produce pure and spotless lambs worthy of sacrifice for the atoning of sin. These shepherds worked in the fields on the outskirts of Bethlehem called Bethlehem Ephrathah. There was a tower in which the sheep would bare their young during certain times of the year. During this season, however, the tower was sterile and clean because it was not in use.
Swaddling clothes were not just rags Mary and Joseph tore from their clothing or brought from home. Swaddling clothes were cloths specifically used by shepherd priests who used them to wrap lambs in order to keep them clean and free from any blemish at birth and in transit to the temple. This was the only way lambs could be used in sacrifice.
Yes, all of that. Let it all sink in. I KNOW!!
Next, the manger is more closely translated "feeding trough" from the original Greek word φάτνη "phatne" (pronounced "fot-nee") and Luke is the only one to use this Greek word. This specific translation would have resonated with the shepherds because the first feeding trough they thought of was the one they used for their sheep. They went with haste.
Luke 2:16 "And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger." And there he was. Behold, the lamb of God. Laying in a feeding trough probably on straw (also known as grain stems)--the very bread of life. One day broken for us. We must take, eat together and remember. Every microscopic piece of this story reflects another portion of scripture somewhere. It is astounding and beautiful, and I am praying this year is a profound celebration of Jesus' birth for you, dear friend.
He has gone to great lengths to provide redemption for you and for me. The Word of God let us know from the beginning--in the book of Genesis that He had a plan. That plan has unfolded exactly the way he said it would. Do you see how much he love you, friend? Does this news stir up any action in your heart?
Sister, I am echoing Paul when I pray that you grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ Jesus is for you (Ephesians 3:17-19). I'm praying we understand it so well that nothing hinders us from sharing this truth with as many people as possible.
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