On The Porch With Pat
Pat Graham – Missionary Evangelist – December 2022
The Babe
Luke 2:1-7 NKJV
1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed [a]wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a [b]manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Shepherds
Luke 2:8-18 NKJV
It is a seemingly ordinary night of tending to their flocks, a star-studded canopy, a gentle breeze and an unusual stillness as an unidentified anticipation captives their attention. Suddenly with the rustling of angel wings a bright light penetrates the darkness!
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
The prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled in His birth.
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
The cast of characters include Mary, a young virgin, Joseph, a man of good repute, shepherds, angels, and a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths.
And now, the journey begins, from the cradle to the cross, from the cross to the crown. The King of Kings enters the world He created taking on a human body. Clothed in flesh with an assignment drafted in the Throne Room of God a babe is born. His will is surrendered to the Father, their purpose is birthed in love, the final details completed the Father nods His approval, as the Son accepts His assignment.
Jesus bridged the chasm between a Holy God and fallen mankind by paying the penalty of our sins with His blood on the cross. He was the spotless lamb, the final sacrifice. The scriptures give us a glimpse of the rejoicing of the heaven host at the announcement to the shepherds that glorious night. One can only imagine the celebration, the adoration and praise that filled the portals of heaven!
