Luke 2:7-20 is about the humble, miraculous birth of Jesus in a manger, heralded by angels to shepherds as a sign of hope and salvation for all people.
7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.
10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.
17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.
18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.
19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Setting the Scene for Luke 2:7-20
The scene in Luke chapter 2:7-20 takes place in Bethlehem, a small town bustling with people who have come to register for the census decreed by Caesar Augustus. Among the crowd are Joseph, a carpenter from Nazareth, and his pregnant wife Mary. They have traveled a long and arduous journey to comply with the census requirements, eventually finding themselves seeking shelter in a humble stable due to the lack of space in the inns.
In this humble setting, Mary gives birth to her son, Jesus, and lays Him in a manger. Nearby shepherds, tending their flocks in the fields, are visited by an angel who announces the birth of the Savior. Overwhelmed by the heavenly host praising God, the shepherds decide to go and see the newborn child for themselves. They find Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus just as the angel had described, and they are filled with awe and wonder at the sight before them.
The scene is one of simplicity and humility, yet filled with profound significance as the promised Messiah is born into the world. The shepherds, who represent the common people of the time, are the first to witness and spread the news of Jesus’ birth, setting the stage for the miraculous events that will unfold in the life of the Savior.
What is Luke 2:7-20 about?
This verse captures a significant moment in Christian theology and tradition. It symbolizes the humble beginning of Jesus, the central figure in Christianity, born in a simple manger rather than a grand palace. The announcement by angels to shepherds highlights the idea that Jesus came for all people, regardless of their social status. It emphasizes the themes of humility, love, and inclusivity that are central to the teachings of Jesus.
Reflecting on this verse can prompt us to ponder the significance of this miraculous event. Why did the angels choose to announce the birth of Jesus to shepherds, a marginalized group in society at that time? What does this choice say about the message of love and acceptance that Jesus embodies? Contemplating these questions can help us gain a deeper understanding of the profound impact of Jesus’ birth and the timeless teachings of compassion and equality that he imparted.
Understanding what Luke 2:7-20 really means
The birth of Jesus Christ, as recounted in Luke 2:7-20, stands as a pivotal moment in Christian faith. In the humble setting of Bethlehem, where Jesus was wrapped in cloths and placed in a manger, we witness the profound symbolism of His humble beginnings. This imagery serves as a powerful reminder of the simplicity and humility that marked the arrival of the Savior of the world. The absence of a guest room for Mary and Joseph reflects the world’s unpreparedness to receive the Messiah, underscoring the unexpected and unconventional nature of God’s plan for salvation.
When an angel of the Lord appears to the shepherds, it signifies divine intervention and highlights the significance of the event. The proclamation of “good news that will cause great joy for all the people” emphasizes the universal message of hope and joy that Jesus’ birth brings to humanity. The declaration that “a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” firmly establishes Jesus’ divine identity and mission, setting the stage for the transformative impact of His life on earth. The heavenly chorus praising “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” underscores the profound impact of Jesus’ birth on both heavenly and earthly realms.
In exploring related Bible passages such as Isaiah 9:6, John 1:14, and Philippians 2:6-8, we deepen our understanding of the prophetic significance, incarnation, and humility of Jesus. These passages further illuminate the divine nature of Jesus’ mission and the profound implications of His birth for humanity. Today, the themes of humility, simplicity, and divine hope found in the story of Jesus’ birth remain relevant and impactful. In a world often consumed by materialism and status, the humble birth of Jesus serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring value of humility and simplicity.
The universal message of Jesus’ birth transcends cultural and social boundaries, offering hope and joy to all people, regardless of their circumstances. Consider a family burdened by financial struggles and societal pressures, finding solace in the story of Jesus’ birth. Through this narrative, they discover that true joy and peace stem not from material wealth but from the love and hope that Jesus embodies. This realization transforms their outlook, enabling them to find contentment and joy in life’s simple yet meaningful moments.
In conclusion, the account of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2:7-20 encapsulates the profound love of God and the hope He extends to the world through His Son. It beckons us to embrace humility, find joy in simplicity, and share the universal message of peace and goodwill with others. As we reflect on the humble beginnings of Jesus in a manger, may we be inspired to embody His love, spread His message of hope, and live out the transformative power of His birth in our lives.
How can we experience the joy of Christ’s birth?
We can experience the joy of Christ’s birth by recognizing the humble circumstances in which Jesus was born. Despite being the Savior of the world, Jesus entered the world in a manger, surrounded by animals and simplicity. This reminds us of the humble beginning of our Savior and the love He has for all, regardless of their status or background. It is a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas – the gift of love and salvation that Jesus brings.
Furthermore, we can experience the joy of Christ’s birth by rejoicing with the shepherds. When the angels appeared to the shepherds in the field and proclaimed the good news of Christ’s birth, the shepherds responded with awe and joy. They were invited to witness the miracle firsthand and were filled with praise and adoration for the newborn King. Like the shepherds, we can also approach Christ’s birth with a sense of wonder and gratitude, celebrating the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a Savior to the world.
Lastly, we can experience the joy of Christ’s birth by spreading the good news, just like the shepherds did. After encountering the newborn Jesus, the shepherds shared the news of His birth with everyone they met, spreading joy and hope to those around them. We too can share the message of Christ’s birth with others, spreading the joy and hope of salvation that Jesus brings. Let us remember to share the love and joy of Christ with those around us.
Application
Just as the shepherds joyfully spread the news of Jesus’ birth, let’s spread love and hope in our modern-day lives – in our work, in our families, in all that we do. Will you choose to share the beautiful message of Christ’s birth with others today?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.