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LUKE - Christ, the Savior of the World
A Bible Study Course on the Gospel of Christ according to Luke

PART 1 - HISTORICAL EVENTS ASSOCIATED WITH CHRIST'S BIRTH (Luke 1:5 - 2:52)

5. The Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-20)


LUKE 2:13-14
13 Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God, and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men.”

As the shepherds heard the titles of Christ from the angel’s mouth, they became spellbound with astonishment. The words of the divine announcer pierced their hearts. However, so that they should understand what God meant by his Son’s birth, the shining angel gave them a clear sign which could be touched with their hands and seen with their eyes: a newborn child wrapped in ordinary clothes and lying in a poor manger.

It was necessary for those simple shepherds to realize that the great Lord became a meek child. He did not remain a glorious Spirit, but became a body so loaded with the infirmities of our being that he needed to be wrapped like a child. He could not speak in the manger, but was committed into his maidservant’s hands. The Son of the Highest became small, poor, and lowly. This is the meaning of God’s coming down in the New Testament. This is the opposite of haughtiness. He the Great One was not mighty and haughty, but humbled himself and came near to us. This is our God: Love embodied in flesh.

When this first thought entered into the minds of the simple, they sank down to the ground, for the heavens became wide, the light shone brightly, and a multitude of angels appeared, thousands and ten thousands praising and rejoicing, for the true Savior has now entered the wicked world. Suddenly the shepherds heard a storm of praise coming from heaven, and carrying song and chants in the lights of glory. The divine voices sang proclaiming with all clarity the glory, majesty, and splendor of our God to whom belongs the kingdom, the power, the honor, the wisdom, the worship, and thankfulness. He has everything, and everything refers to him. The suns are his footstool, and the saints sing before him.

The sight of the glory of the Holy One did not burn those spellbound shepherds, but gave them certain hope and promise of all God’s revelations: peace on earth as in heaven. The eternal divine peace with no disagreement, hatred, or war.

God sent his Christ to represent peace to our tired, sick earth. Today, the Holy Spirit accomplishes this true peace in Jesus’ followers. Did you know that the peace of the Holy One began in the world in those who opened themselves to his joy? Yet, whoever closes his mind against the message of the manger and the cross, becomes disturbed and goes astray, for there is no peace for unbelievers. Wherever the remission of sins dwells and the power of the Holy Spirit works, there begins Christ’s peace on earth.

The plan of God’s grace is fulfilled in all those whose hearts became a cradle for Jesus and who answered the message of salvation thankfully and prayerfully. Did you realize the joy of God offered to all men? Did you follow the Prince of Peace and become a peacemaker? The joy of the Holy One pours out on you and dwells in you. You may ask how. Well! The Babe of the manger is the proof. God is with you. He wants to dwell in you so that eternal peace may begin in your life.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, We worship you because your glory is greater than the sun, which you created with your word. Please raise my hands toward the rays of your love so that I may be filled with your peace and truth, for your joy is coming to me, and longs to dwell in many.

QUESTION 25: How did the child of the manger proclaim God’s glory?

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