Luke 2:1-20 – "The Glory of the Incarnation"
Introduction: Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we gather today to reflect on one
of the most well-known passages of Scripture, especially during the Christmas
season—Luke 2:1-20. This is the story of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ,
who came to the world not in glory or majesty, but in humility and simplicity.
Through these verses, God invites us to see that the extraordinary lies hidden
within the ordinary and that His greatest gift came in the most unexpected way.
Let us read the passage together:
Luke 2:1-20 (NIV): 1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be
taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place
while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town
to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to
Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and
line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be
married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time
came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She
wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest
room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch
over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the
glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel
said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause
great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been
born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You
will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13 Suddenly a
great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and
saying,
14 "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those
on whom his favor rests."
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said
to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has
happened, which the Lord has told us about." 16 So they hurried off and
found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they
had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about
this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to
them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they
had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
1. The Setting of the Incarnation (Luke 2:1-7)
The birth of Jesus took place during a time of great political power and
oppression. Caesar Augustus, the ruler of the Roman Empire, decreed that a
census should be taken, compelling people to travel to their ancestral towns
for registration. For Joseph and Mary, this meant a difficult journey from
Nazareth to Bethlehem, a journey that, at first glance, seemed dictated by
worldly politics.
But in the divine plan, this census was no accident. The prophet Micah
had foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). God used
even the decree of a foreign emperor to fulfill His promise. God’s sovereignty
extends over every circumstance, even those that appear mundane or forced.
As Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, they found no room in the inn.
The circumstances of Jesus’ birth were humble—no grand procession, no royal
treatment. The Savior of the world was born not in a palace, but in a stable,
and laid in a manger—a feeding trough for animals. This stark humility teaches
us that God’s kingdom is not like the kingdoms of this world. It is not about
power, wealth, or prestige, but about humility, service, and love.
Application:
In our own lives, we often seek recognition, status, or comfort. Yet, the God
of the universe chose to enter the world in the most humble of circumstances.
This speaks to the way God works in our lives—not through the powerful and the
impressive, but through the meek and the lowly. How can we make room for Christ
in our hearts this season? How can we embrace the humility of the Incarnation
in our own attitudes and actions?
2. The Announcement to the Shepherds (Luke 2:8-14)
In the fields outside Bethlehem, shepherds were watching over their
flocks by night. Suddenly, an angel appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord
shone around them. This moment was filled with both fear and awe, but the
angel’s message was one of hope: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that
will cause great joy for all the people.” The Savior had been born, and the
sign to find Him was a baby lying in a manger.
The message of Christ's birth was first entrusted to shepherds, among the
lowest in society at the time. Shepherds were often seen as unclean and
despised, yet it was to them that God revealed the greatest news in human
history. This tells us something profound about the heart of God: He does not
show partiality. The message of salvation is for all people, regardless of
social status, wealth, or position. God’s kingdom is open to all, and the good
news is for everyone—especially those who feel excluded or forgotten.
The heavenly host joined the angel in praising God, declaring,
"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom
his favor rests." This is the essence of the gospel—the glory of God and
peace on earth. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, came to reconcile humanity with God
and to bring peace where there is conflict, hope where there is despair, and
joy where there is sorrow.
Application:
As we receive the good news of Jesus, it is our calling to share it with
others. Just as the shepherds went and proclaimed the birth of the Savior, we
too are called to share the message of peace and joy with the world. In a time
of great division and uncertainty, we are bearers of the peace that Christ
offers.
3. The Response to the Incarnation (Luke 2:15-20)
The shepherds, filled with excitement and awe, hurried to Bethlehem to
see the newborn King. After seeing Jesus, they couldn’t keep the news to
themselves. They spread the word about what they had heard and seen. Those who
heard their story were amazed, and the shepherds themselves returned to their
fields, glorifying and praising God.
Meanwhile, Mary treasured these things in her heart, pondering the
mystery of the events surrounding her child. Mary’s response is one of quiet
reflection. She does not rush to proclaim but takes time to consider the
significance of all that had happened. This is a beautiful model for us—a call
to slow down and reflect on the wonder of God’s love revealed in Christ.
Application:
What is our response to the Incarnation? Are we like the shepherds, eager to
share the good news with others? Or do we, like Mary, take time to reflect on
the deep mystery of God’s love and the miraculous gift of His Son? The
Incarnation calls us to both action and reflection—to share the joy of Christ’s
birth while also pausing to ponder its significance in our lives.
Conclusion:
As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, let us remember the profound
truths embedded in this passage. The birth of Jesus shows us that God works
through humble means, that His kingdom is for all people, and that the
Incarnation is a mystery to be pondered and proclaimed.
The Savior has come, not with power and might, but with love and
humility. Let us receive Him into our hearts, share the good news with others,
and give glory to God in the highest. May the peace of Christ reign in our
hearts, and may we live as those who have been touched by the joy of His birth.
Let us pray.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ,
who came to us in humility and love. Help us to embrace the wonder of the
Incarnation, to reflect on its deep significance, and to share the good news
with others. May Your peace fill our hearts, and may we live as bearers of Your
light in this world. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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