-December 19, 2022-
Good morning, happy Monday,
“So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.’ And they came in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger (Luke 2:15-16).
“Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds” (Luke 2:17-18).
The shepherds were great witnesses to the birth of the Christ Child, but they were not by far the not only ones we could call to the witness stand to tell what they saw and heard. They were though the most compelling. In court the more eyewitness and expert testimony an attorney can present to the jury the better. Their testimony must hold up under cross-examination. Today you are the jury and I will call many witnesses before you for your consideration.
1. The shepherds– Please tell us what happened that night. “We were out in the fields watching over our sheep when all of the sudden angels appeared to us. The glory of the Lord shone all around us. We were terrified. An angel told us that a Child was born in the city of David who is Christ the Lord. Then they really amazed us that He was wrapped in swaddling clothes and was lying in a manger. Then a multitude of other angels appeared praising God. We rushed to Bethlehem, found the inn, and sure enough Mary, Joseph, and the Babe lying in the manger. We spread the news far and wide to everyone we could.
2. The innkeeper – Please tell us what you know. “I have been the innkeeper for years, and have never seen our little town of Bethlehem so crowded. People flocked in from all over all Israel to be counted in a census that was ordered by Caesar Augustus. Each person had to be counted in the city of their birth. I had no vacancies in my little inn nor were there in homes in their area left for visitors to stay in. This young couple Mary and Joseph arrived and I had to give them the bad news. They were so disappointed and sad. She was pregnant and about to give birth. I felt horrible so I offered the only thing I had: my manger. There were animals there and it smelled pretty bad, but at least it was a dry, safe place. place. I heard her screams and went out a saw that she gave birth to baby boy. I was so proud and happy. I felt like a god parent.”
3. Simeon – Please tell us what you saw. “I was in the temple when all of the sudden a young couple brought in their eight day old Son in to have Him circumcised in accordance with the law of Moses. I knew right then he was the Messiah I had long waited for. God had promised me that I would not die until I had seen the Lord’s Christ. I was pretty old, but I knew God would fulfill His promise, and He sure did.” I praised Him and told Him I was ready to die now.”
4. Anna the prophetess – Please tell us what you saw. “I am a widow of 84 years old. My husband died young after we had been married just 7 years. I dedicated myself fully to the Lord. I never left the temple but dedicated myself to God with fastings and prayers night and day. At the very instant I came in I gave thanks to the Lord for I saw the baby Jesus with my own eyes. He was so beautiful and I could see the glory of God in His tiny face.”
5. The wisemen from the East – Please tell us your experience. “We were in our country far away from Israel. Suddenly a very unique star appeared in the night sky. We had to follow that star. We sensed that someone great had been born the King of the Jews. We asked Herod when we arrived after a very long arduous journey where the King of the Jews was born. He consulted his spiritual advisors who told him according to the prophet Micah the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem. He told us to make careful search for the Child and bring him word so he could come and worship Him also. We followed the same star to Bethlehem and found the Child with Mary His mother. We fell down and worshiped Him. We opened the gifts we brought with us of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. We were so happy. God warned us not to return to Herod but to take another path back to our country.” We too had great news to share back home. “
5. King Herod – I request that this witness be treated as a hostile witness. King Herod, please tell what you experienced. “I was furious with the men from the East who tricked me. They never came back to me. I ordered the execution of all the baby boys in and around Bethlehem two years old and under. I was certain this Christ Child would be no threat to my rule. I didn’t care who had to die. I never thought He would live.”
Now members of the jury you must decide for yourselves, what is your verdict? Is Jesus the Messiah? Do you believe in Him? Is He your Lord and Savior who later was crucified and rose again? My next case will be for the Resurrection of Christ. I have already compiled my list of witnesses.
Have a blessed day and Christmas Day. Jesus is the reason for the season. We still celebrate His birth after over two thousand years. Stay safe and heathy.
In adoration of His holy birth,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 