Dear SCC & Friends,
Now it came about… ~Luke 2:1
Reflection #198
Two thousand years ago the Roman Empire was rife with political intrigue, ethnic tension, and immorality. Palestine was occupied under the crush of Rome. All eyes were on Augustus, the Caesar who demanded a census so as to determine a measurement to enlarge taxes. At that time, who noticed a couple making an eighty-mile trip south from Nazareth? What could possibly be more important than Caesar’s decisions in Rome? Who cared about a Jewish baby born in Bethlehem? God did… Without realizing it, mighty Augustus was only an errand boy for the fulfillment of Micah’s prediction…a pawn in the hand of Jehovah. But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity. ~Micah 5:2 Seven hundred years later Micah’s prophecy came to pass, But when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law… ~Gal. 4:4
And it came about… while they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her first-born son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And in the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields, and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. And the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David (Bethlehem) there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” ~Lk. 2:6-14Thank you Lord, all glory and honor to our Savior!
Adeste Fidelis,
Kevin