Majesty In A Manger

Introduction:

A. C.S. Lewis, the famous British writer and literary scholar, who was an atheist for many years, wrote:

“Once in our world, a stable had something in it that was bigger than our whole world.”

1. As you know, he was referring to the birth of Jesus in a stable and Jesus’ first bed was a feeding trough for animals – how’s that for a humble beginning?

B. Most of you are aware that the date for Christ’s birth remains a mystery.

1. December 25 has been designated by some as a day to recognize the birth of Jesus.

2. We know that the Bible does not reveal the day Jesus was born and in truth the Bible doesn’t even reveal the year Jesus was born.

3. Scholars believe it was somewhere between 6 BC and 4 BC.

4. But one thing is clear: if God felt it was important for us to know the exact date of the Savior’s birth, He certainly would have told us in His Word.

5. The Gospel of Luke gives very specific details about the event, even down to what the baby was wearing – “swaddling clothes”—and where He slept — “in a manger” (Luke 2:12).

a. These details are important because they speak of His nature and character, meek and lowly.

b. But the exact date of His birth has no significance whatsoever, which may be why God chose not to mention it.

6. The most important facts are that Jesus was born, that He came into the world to atone for our sins, that He died, was buried, then was resurrected to eternal life, and He’s alive today sitting at God’s right hand in heaven.

7. This is what we should celebrate, as we are told in the Old Testament in such passages as Zechariah 2:10: “‘Shout and be glad, O Daughter of Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,’ declares the LORD.”

8. Additionally, the angel that announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds declared “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10).

9. Jesus’ coming into the world and everything Jesus has done for us is the cause for our celebration of Him every day of the year.

I. What the Shepherds Witnessed in the Field

A. Let’s imagine that you were one of the shepherds working in the fields that night.

1. You were just doing your job as always in fields outside of Bethlehem.

2. Because of a lack of seniority, you were assigned the night shift.

a. The hours were bad, but the work wasn’t too hard.

b. The sheep stayed contently in the enclosed fold and you guarded the gate from predators.

3. The worst part of the job was trying to stay warm during the long cold nights.

B. But then one night an unbelievable thing happened.

1. As you were standing with some of your co-workers, out of nowhere a glorious, angelic creature appeared.

2. You could scarcely look at him because of the brilliant light flowing from his tall and powerful form.

3. His glow lit up the entire field.

4. To say you were stunned is to put it mildly; to say that you were “greatly afraid” is an understatement.

C. When the creature spoke, his voice was terrifying and yet comforting at the same time.

1. Instead of words of judgment, he spoke of peace and he told you not to be afraid.

2. He said: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Lk 2:10-12)

D. Immediately after that beautiful creature uttered those words, the sky and the field became ablaze with a whole multitude of what could only be described as a sea of angels.

1. There was a tremendous sound as they all at once began to praise God.

2. They declared, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (2:14)

3. And then, as suddenly as they had appeared, they were gone, and the night was dark and silent again.

E. You and the other shepherds stood motionless and speechless.

1. Your brains worked furiously trying to comprehend what you had just seen and heard.

2. When the shock wore off you began to process it - “Did you just see what I saw?” “Yah, and did you hear what I heard?” “Yes, I did!”

3. The message was clearly embedded in everyone’s mind, and what you had to do at that point was not in question.