The Glory of the Story – Glimpses
The Glory of the Story – Glimpses
The man reached out his hand, and it became normal, just like the other one. Then the Pharisees called a meeting and discussed plans for killing Jesus. (Matt 12:13,14 NLT)
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host – the armies of heaven – praising God… the shepherds said to each other “let’s go to Bethlehem!” (Luke 2:13,15 NLT)
When they saw the star, they were filled with joy… and they fell down before him and worshipped him (Matt 2:10,11 NLT)
That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, and they stayed there until Herod’s death. (Matt 2:14,15 NLT)
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It was a time of terror, of tyranny and treachery in high places, a time when evil appeared to be unfettered, a time of uncertainty, and a despot ruled in the Roman province of Judea.
In the midst of this a baby was born. Amazingly, and in fulfilment of the prophecy, the birth took place in a tiny town called Bethlehem – because Caesar Augustus had ordered a census! Heaven rejoiced, some special people from the East followed a sign in the sky and came to worship.
And some very fortunate shepherds witnessed the rejoicing of the angels and also came to wonder and worship. Herod in his fury killed all the little boys in Bethlehem to be rid of this perceived threat to his throne but Joseph had been warned by an angel to flee to Egypt.
At Christmas we come to remember, to wonder and to worship, as did Simeon and Anna in the Temple as they held and saw the baby Jesus.
Think about it. The most stupendous event in human history – Emmanuel, ‘God with us’ – the Son of God in a manger – an event that even angels wonder at and long to look into. Let us take time to wonder and worship.
Lachlan Dunjey 5 Dec 2017
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The King of Kings is born in Bethlehem and the heavens are open to wide-eyed shepherds.
Sing, dance, exchange gifts and good wishes. Forgive, be at peace with one another. There is something bigger than ourselves.
The King of Kings is born in Bethlehem.