Author

Ed Urzi

Romans – Chapter One X

by Ed Urzi

In the aftermath of any incident involving a large aircraft, a critical first step for investigators is to recover the flight data recorder, or “black box.” That device typically captures recordings of cockpit conversations, flight information, and environmental conditions that provide valuable insight into that aircraft’s journey. In a similar manner, the final chapter of the Biblical book of 2 Timothy serves as a kind of “black box” that offers insight into Paul the Apostle’s mindset as he neared the end of his earthly life.

Originally written around A.D. 64-66, there are a few verses from the book of 2 Timothy that clearly allude to Paul’s impending death…

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:6-7).

Sensing that his time may be short, he then added the following…

“Be diligent to come to me quickly… Do your utmost to come before winter” (2 Timothy 4:9, 20).

While we can’t say with certainty that Timothy made contact with Paul prior to his death, Foxe’s Book of Martyrs records the traditional belief concerning the end of Paul’s life…

“Paul, the Apostle, who was before called Saul, after his great travail and unspeakable labours in promoting the Gospel of Christ, suffered also in this persecution under Nero… the soldiers came and led him out of the city to the place of execution, where he, after his prayers were made, gave his neck to the sword.” (1)

Another reference to Paul’s death appears in an early, extra-Biblical document known as 1 Clement. That first-century epistle says in part…

“Owing to envy, Paul also obtained the reward of patient endurance, after being seven times thrown into captivity, compelled to flee, and stoned. After preaching both in the east and west, he gained the illustrious reputation due to his faith, having taught righteousness to the whole world, and come to the extreme limit of the west, and suffered martyrdom under the prefects. Thus was he removed from the world, and went into the holy place, having proved himself a striking example of patience.” (1)

This biographical information concerning the life and death of Paul the Apostle sets the stage for our entry into the Biblical book of Romans. We’ll continue with an overview of the church at Rome and the structure of this epistle starting next.

Image Attribution: André Gustavo Stumpf from Brasília, Brasil, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

(1) John Foxe, Foxe’s Book Of Martyrs [pg. 13] © 1981 by Whitaker House https://archive.org/details/foxesbookofmarty00foxe_1/page/12/mode/2up

(2) First Clement: Clement of Rome. (n.d.) [5.5-5.6] . https://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/1clement-roberts.html

Interlude For New Years Day

by Ed Urzi

“…I am still not all I should be, but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us” (Philippians 3:13-14 TLB).

Romans – Chapter One IX

by Ed Urzi

When faced with the need to deflect responsibility for the devastation caused by the Great Fire of Rome, the Roman Emperor Nero delivered a calculated and politically expedient response. He chose to target a segment of the Roman population that was virtually defenseless and ill-equipped to fight against a false accusation of arson. That group was the first-century Christian community.

The raging fire caused extensive damage, immense pain, and utter destruction, thus demanding a proportional response against those who were deemed responsible. That led to what has come to be known as the “Neronian Persecutions,” the first large-scale governmental action ever taken against the church. The ancient Roman historian Tacitus described the horrific consequences of that decision from the position of a secular observer…

“To suppress this rumour, Nero fabricated scapegoats – and punished with every refinement the notoriously depraved Christians (as they were popularly called). Their originator, Christ, had been executed in Tiberius’ reign by the governor of Judaea, Pontius Pilatus. But in spite of this temporary setback the deadly superstition had broken out afresh, not only in Judaea (where the mischief had started) but even in Rome…

First, Nero had self-acknowledged Christians arrested. Then, on their information, large numbers of others were condemned – not so much for incendiarism as for their anti-social tendencies. Their deaths were made farcical. Dressed in wild animals’ skins, they were torn to pieces by dogs, or crucified, or made into torches to be ignited after dark as substitutes for daylight. Nero provided his Gardens for the spectacle, and exhibited displays in the Circus, at which he mingled with the crowd – or stood in a chariot, dressed as a charioteer.

Despite their guilt as Christians, and the ruthless punishment it deserved, the victims were pitied. For it was felt that they were being sacrificed to one man’s brutality rather than to the national interest.” (1)

As we might expect, the impact of this action upon the Christian community was catastrophic. It is impossible to number those who were murdered in the Neronian persecutions, except to say that untold multitudes perished during that period.

Tradition holds that Peter the Apostle was also executed during that era. The customary belief regarding Peter’s death states that he was crucified upside down at his own request. His rationale for that request stemmed from an attitude of deep humility, for he is said to have proclaimed, “I am not worthy to be crucified after the same form and manner as the Lord.“

But what became of Paul the Apostle? We’ll seek to answer that question next.

Image Attribution: Jean-Léon Gérôme, The Christian Martyrs’ Last Prayer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

(1) Grant, Michael (translator), Tacitus, The Annals of Imperial Rome, (1989)

Romans – Chapter One VIII

by Ed Urzi

On (or about) the night of July 19th, A.D. 64, a devastating fire broke out in the ancient city of Rome. A Roman historian and political figure of that era named Cornelius Tacitus chronicled the devastating impact of that fire…

“…Now started the most terrible and destructive fire which Rome had ever experienced. It began in the Circus, where it adjoins the Palatine and Caelian hills. Breaking out in shops selling inflammable goods, and fanned by the wind, the conflagration instantly grew and swept the whole length of the Circus. There were no walled mansions or temples, or any other obstructions, which could arrest it. First, the fire swept violently over the level spaces. Then it climbed the hills – but returned to ravage the lower ground again. It outstripped every counter-measure. The ancient city’s narrow winding streets and irregular blocks encouraged its progress.

Terrified, shrieking women, helpless old and young, people intent on their own safety, people unselfishly supporting invalids or waiting for them, fugitives and lingerers alike – all heightened the confusion. When people looked back, menacing flames sprang up before them or outflanked them. When they escaped to a neighboring quarter, the fire followed – even districts believed remote proved to be involved. Finally, with no idea where or what to flee, they crowded on to the country roads, or lay in the fields…

(The Roman Emperor) Nero was at Antium. He returned to the city only when the fire was approaching the mansion he had built to link the Gardens of Maecenas to the Palatine. The flames could not be prevented from overwhelming the whole of the Palatine, including his palace…

By the sixth day enormous demolitions had confronted the raging flames with bare ground and open sky, and the fire was finally stamped out at the foot of the Esquiline Hill. But before panic had subsided, or hope revived, flames broke out again in the more open regions of the city. Here there were fewer casualties; but the destruction of temples and pleasure arcades was even worse…

Of Rome’s fourteen districts only four remained intact. Three were leveled to the ground. The other seven were reduced to a few scorched and mangled ruins. To count the mansions, blocks, and temples destroyed would be difficult.” (1)

Although the cause of the fire was undetermined, speculation arose that Nero had been involved as part of a misguided attempt to facilitate a large-scale building project. That led to a disastrous turn of events…

“…the rumours that Nero was responsible raged among the distressed population. He had never been so unpopular… It had therefore become imperative to divert the charge to some other person or group. The victims the government chose for this role were the Christians…” (2)

We’ll continue with a look at the historical impact of that decision next.

Image Attribution: Hubert Robert, Incendie à Rome, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

(1) Grant, Michael (translator), Tacitus, The Annals of Imperial Rome, (1989)

(2) Grant, M. (1970). Nero, Emperor in revolt. p. 154

Romans – Chapter One VII

by Ed Urzi

Following Paul’s return from his third missionary journey, he was taken into custody by the Jewish authorities. That led to a trial before the Sanhedrin, the supreme judicial authority within the Jewish legal system of that era. Paul then faced additional legal proceedings under two successive Roman governors. His case dragged on for over two years until he finally invoked his right as a Roman citizen and appealed his case to Caesar, the Roman Emperor. The governor who presided over his hearing subsequently replied, “‘Very well! You have appealed to Caesar, and to Caesar you shall go!'” (Acts 25:12 TLB).

So Paul was dispatched to Rome to appeal his case before the Emperor, a journey that marked Paul’s fourth and final missionary endeavor. That began a lengthy odyssey that spanned thousands of travel miles and featured a harrowing shipwreck off the coast of the island of Malta. However, our last glimpse of Paul in the book of Acts finds him residing as a tenant in a rental home and preaching openly in Rome…

“Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him” (Acts 28:30-31).

Noticeably absent from that account is any mention of a trial before Caesar. But even though that narrative represents the end of the book of Acts, it does not represent the end of Paul’s story. You see, Paul was about to enter a period of intense persecution that was far harsher than any he had previously known.

When Paul exercised his right of appeal before Caesar, his case was remanded to the Emperor Nero who ruled from A.D. 54 – A.D. 68. The ancient church historian Eusebius offered the following assessment of Nero…

“To describe the greatness of his depravity does not lie within the plan of the present work.. after he had accomplished the destruction of so many myriads without any reason, he ran into such blood-guiltiness that he did not spare even his nearest relatives and dearest friends, but destroyed his mother and his brothers and his wife, with very many others of his own family as he would private and public enemies, with various kinds of deaths.” (1)

Foxe’s Book of Martyrs adds…

“So prodigious a monster of nature of was he (more like a beast, yea, rather a devil than a man) that he seemed to be born to the destruction of man.” (2)

Nero, of course, is widely known for initiating the wave of Roman persecution against the early church that began in A.D. 64. The event that triggered that response is known to history as the Great Fire of Rome. We’ll take a closer look at that tragic event (and the horrors that followed) beginning next.

(1) Philip Schaff: NPNF2-01. Eusebius Pamphilius: Church History, Life of Constantine, Oration in Praise of Constantine – Christian Classics Ethereal Library. (n.d.). https://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf201.iii.vii.xxvi.html

(2) John Foxe, Foxe’s Book Of Martyrs [pg. 5] © 1981 by Whitaker House https://archive.org/details/foxesbookofmarty00foxe_1/mode/2up

Romans – Chapter One VI

by Ed Urzi

Paul’s post-conversion ministry and missionary travels.

As mentioned earlier, the New Testament book of Galatians tell us that Paul first preached his new-found faith in Arabia, the large peninsula between the Red Sea and Persian Gulf. Having preached there, he subsequently made his way back to Damascus. After three years in Damascus, he traveled to the city of Jerusalem, and then returned to his hometown of Tarsus.

There, he was met by a man named Barnabas who enlisted Paul’s help in ministering to the growing church at Antioch. After a trip back to Judea to aid in famine relief, the Spirit of God directed Paul to an itinerant preaching and teaching ministry. From A.D. 46 to A.D. 62, Paul was almost continually on the road, traveling by boat and by foot, preaching the gospel and establishing churches. Paul made four major missionary journeys during this period that are chronicled in the Biblical book of Acts.

While all that travel and activity might sound exciting, the reality was far less glamorous than it might seem. In addressing his concerns regarding the false apostles who had worked their way into the Corinthian church, Paul offered the following insight into his life as an ambassador of Christ…

“Are they ministers of Christ?–I speak as a fool–I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often.

From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness–besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.

Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation? If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity” (2 Corinthians 11:23-30 NLT).

With these things in mind, Paul’s request of the Galatian churches takes on added significance…

“From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus” (Galatians 6:17).

Image Attribution: Raphael, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Interlude For Christmas Day

by Ed Urzi

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way.

When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.

But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: ‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel’ (which means, God with us).

When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus” (Matthew 1:18-25 ESV).

Merry Christmas!

The Christmas Story – Part 7

by Ed Urzi

So the Magi traveled to Jerusalem to ask, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2 NIV). Now the Magi may have assumed that the political and religious leadership of Jerusalem would have been pleased with the birth of their Messiah- but we’ll find out shortly that this was not the case.

But first, Matthew 2:3 tells us that a political leader named Herod was disturbed when he received the news about Jesus’ birth from the Magi. This unusual reaction is easier to understand if we take some time to get to know Herod and who he was.

The “Herod” mentioned in this passage is historically known to us as Herod the Great. The first thing Herod did upon his ascension to this position was to exterminate his leading opponent and forty-five of his opponents’ supporters. To ensure his continued rule, Herod also arranged to have every legal heir to his throne put to death as well.

Herod had at least nine or ten wives and eventually became suspicious that his favorite wife was plotting against him. So he put her to death too. Then he killed her mother. Later, he had both of his sons by her executed as well. Herod killed so many people who were close to him that it was half-jokingly remarked that it was safer to be Herod’s pig than  Herod’s son.

So it was Herod’s practice to eliminate anyone who might be a potential threat. This may account for the fact that all Jerusalem was troubled by the arrival of the Magi as well (Matthew 2:3). Perhaps the people of Jerusalem were fearful of what might transpire once Herod learned that the real “King Of The Jews” had been born.

“When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. ‘In Bethlehem in Judea,’ they replied, ‘for this is what the prophet has written: “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel'” (Matthew 2:4-6 NIV).

It’s interesting to note that these priests and the teachers had the right information about the Messiah- they even quoted directly from the Old Testament prophecy concerning Him as found in Micah 5:2. But even though these men had the right information, they didn’t seem very interested in finding out about the Savior for themselves.

“Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him'” (Matthew 2:7-8 NIV).

Herod predictably tried to use the Magi to find this newborn king- not to worship Him but to attempt an assassination. We’ll find out later that Herod eventually issued a command to kill every boy aged two or younger in an attempt to ensure that Jesus was eliminated (see Matthew 2:16).

“After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh” (Matthew 2:9-11 NIV).

So the Magi finally had an opportunity to meet the King they had been seeking. If we look closely at the gifts of the Magi mentioned above, we’ll find that each carried its own special meaning. For instance, gold was the first gift presented to Jesus by these men. Since gold is associated with royalty, it makes a suitable gift for the King of the Jews.

The next gift was frankincense, an aromatic resin. Frankincense is mentioned nine times in the first five books of the Bible and it was primarily associated with the Old Testament sacrificial offerings (see Leviticus 2:1-2, Leviticus 6:15, and Leviticus 24:5-9 for some examples). In light of this, we can say that this gift represented Jesus’ role as priest, the one who represents us before God (see Hebrews chapters 2-9).

Finally, we have the gift of myrrh. Myrrh was widely used as a perfume, but John 19:39 tells us that it was one of the ingredients that was used to prepare Jesus’ body for burial following His crucifixion. Thus we can say that myrrh was a gift that was associated with Jesus’ eventual death on our behalf.

The myrrh and frankincense were easy to carry and all three gifts were worth a considerable amount. Their monetary value may have been used to provide for Mary, Joseph, and Jesus later when they were forced to escape into Egypt for a time (see Matthew 2:13-15). But even though these gifts were important, the fact that the Magi worshiped Jesus was even more important.

So these verses identify three different responses to Jesus and serve to represent the different ways people often respond to Him today. First we have Herod, a man who displayed open hostility towards Christ. Next we have the representatives of the religious leadership, the ones who told Herod where the Messiah was to be born. These men showed great indifference towards Jesus; they heard about Him but didn’t care enough to see Him for themselves. Finally we have the Magi. They were the ones who looked for Jesus, spent time with Him, and worshiped Him.

So now that we’ve reached the end of this look at the Christmas story, let’s finish with one final observation. It’s been said that giving gifts at Christmas is not something that humanity invented- it was God who initiated the gift giving when He gave us the gift of His Son. Christmas is not about the gifts that we receive from others- it’s really about the gift that God has given to us.

The Christmas Story – Part 6

by Ed Urzi

The next portion of the Christmas story takes us to chapter two of Matthew’s gospel…

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him'” (Matthew 2:1-2 NIV).

So who exactly were these “Magi”? While it is traditional to refer to them as “kings” or “wise men,” (1)  it may be surprising to learn that it is probably more accurate to refer to them as astrologers

You see, the term “magi” was used to identify the priests and wise men among the ancient civilizations of the Medes, Persians, and Babylonians. These men were said to be highly skilled in divination, astrology, and the interpretation of signs. This was not unlike modern-day astrologers who believe that the movement and arrangement of stars and planets can have an impact on human events. The idea is that a person who possesses the ability to interpret these alignments will also have the ability to foretell the future.

Perhaps the clearest Biblical warning against this type of activity is found in Deuteronomy 18:10-12…

“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD…” (NIV).

In light of this, we might question why God would choose to announce Jesus’ birth to these men when the Bible says such things are wrong. Well, here’s how one commentator addresses this question…

“The star used in the Biblical account was to announce the birth of Christ, not to foretell this event. God gave the star to the Magi to proclaim to them that the child had already been born. We know that the Child had already been born because in Matthew 2:16, Herod gives a command to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and vicinity that are two years old or younger in accordance with the ‘time which he had ascertained from the Magi’ (NASB)… The star guiding the Magi was not used to predict, but to proclaim the birth of Christ.” (2)

So these astrologers suddenly came upon a real sign in their observations of the stars- the sign of the one true God. This is not an unbiblical idea for as God once said through the prophet Isaiah, “I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, ‘Here am I, here am I'” (Isaiah 65:1). God met the Magi on their own field so to speak, and guided the astrologers by a star.

But how exactly did these men come to associate this star with Jesus’ birth? Unfortunately, we don’t have enough detail to say with certainty how or why the Magi connected the appearance of this star with the King of the Jews. However, there is one interesting possibility to consider. Remember that the term “Magi” was used to identify the priests and wise men of the Medes, Persians, and Babylonians. There is one Biblical personality who is more closely associated with these groups than any other. That person was the prophet Daniel who lived in the 6th century B.C.

In thinking over this question, it’s interesting to note that the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar placed Daniel in charge over all the wise men of Babylon (see Daniel 2:46-48). Later in Daniel 6:28, we also read that Daniel prospered during the reigns of two leaders named Darius (who was a Mede) and Cyrus the Persian.

So while we don’t have any direct Biblical evidence to explain how the Magi connected the Star of Bethlehem to Jesus’ birth, it’s possible that God may have given Daniel some advance information regarding this event. If that was the case, then it’s also possible that Daniel passed this information to the Magi of his day. From there, the Magi conveyed that information from generation to generation until the time of its fulfillment. Again, while there is no Scriptural evidence to support this theory, it would serve to explain how the Magi knew about Jesus’ birth.

Another question regarding the Magi is this: How many Magi came to visit Jesus? Well, tradition tells us that there were three Magi named Melchior, Caspar and Balthasar. But even though it’s customary to think of “The Three Wise Men” who visited Jesus, there’s a good chance there were more than three. Here’s why…

“…Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.’ When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him” (Matthew 2:1b-3 NIV).

Jerusalem was large, important town. If the entire city was troubled over the appearance of these men, it’s likely that they showed up with a large contingent. There’s another possible explanation that involves Herod himself, but we’ll get to that part next.

Finally, we should note that the Bible does not say that the Magi came on the night of Jesus’ birth; in fact, it’s possible that their visit occurred much later, perhaps as many as two years later.

(1) The Revised Standard Version, American Standard Version, King James Version, and New King James Version are all examples of Biblical translations that identify the Magi as “wise men”

(2) Geisler,N. L., & Howe, T. A. (1992). When Critics Ask : A Popular Handbook On Bible Difficulties Victor Books

The Christmas Story – Part 5

by Ed Urzi

Come to Bethlehem and see Christ Whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King (1)

One of the best-known portions of the Christmas story involves an angelic announcement of Jesus’ birth to a group of shepherds who were looking after their flocks by night. For these shepherds, their night’s work may have started out like any other night’s work- but this night was no ordinary night on the job…

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified” (Luke 2:8-9 NIV).

As a group, shepherds were often considered to be the social outcasts of their day. Their work wasn’t very glamorous, and they spent most of their time with a group of animals. A first-century shepherd’s life could also become very isolated, especially since they were not allowed to participate in the various Jewish ceremonies. Unfortunately for these shepherds, Hebrew social life largely revolved around the Temple during this period.

A shepherd who was not permitted to participate in these activities was someone who was cut out of the social network of the community. And if that wasn’t enough, shepherds were considered to be an unreliable class of people; in fact, they were so mistrusted that they were not even permitted to offer testimony in court.

So, the shepherds were a group of outsiders- a collection of people who didn’t fit into the accepted social categories of their day. They were untrusted and looked down upon by others. Yet these were the people whom God chose to receive the announcement of Jesus’ birth.

This part of the Christmas story reminds us that God doesn’t exclude us from a relationship with Him based on our social standing (or lack thereof). It also brings to mind something recorded in the New Testament book of Acts: “…I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right” (Acts 10:34-35 NLT).

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. 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'” (Luke 2:10-12 NIV).

It’s important to note that this event was good news for everyone, everywhere. And following this single angel’s announcement, an army of angels suddenly joined together to honor God…

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger” (Luke 2:13-16 NIV).

So, the shepherds decided to hurry to Bethlehem to see the child that had just been announced to them. Bethlehem was not a very large town, so the shepherds probably had little problem in checking from place to place until they finally found the location with infant Jesus, the same one that matched the description that was given to them while they were out in the fields.

While the Scriptures do not tell us how Mary and Joseph responded to this visit from the shepherds, it’s likely that their arrival came as quite a surprise. You can just imagine the astonishment of Mary and Joseph as a group of breathless shepherds suddenly burst in upon them to see the newborn child and to tell them all they had seen and heard concerning Him.

But this part of the Christmas story shouldn’t end before we take a moment to put ourselves in the position of these shepherds. For instance, what could be more impossible to believe than an announcement that Christ the Lord had been born and that He could be found lying in a feedbox inside a shelter for animals? While many people might find that announcement difficult to accept, these men certainly didn’t seem doubtful, skeptical, or unimpressed regarding it- or by what they found in that manger when they followed up on this angelic proclamation.

On the contrary, the next few verses tell us this…

“When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told” (Luke 2:17-20 NIV).

To Mary’s credit, she didn’t let the memory of these incredible events pass by. Instead, she collected them, thought about them, and kept them close to her heart. Perhaps it was the joy that Mary associated with these memories that helped sustain her throughout the difficult times that were to follow.

(1) Angels We Have Heard On High (Traditional)

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