Christmas 2004

Christmas 2004

If you could be at some historical event, some time in history, what would that be? My brother raised that question when he said he would have liked to be on a hillside in Judea many years ago when the heavenly choir of angels announced to the world the birth of the Messiah.

Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10 - 11)

Here was announced the birth of the Messiah – the one looked for by all Israel, the object of all holy writ, of all the Law and the Prophets. Also was announced His role – the Saviour.

Who expected the announcement would come to shepherds? Why such a humble beginning? Who would hear their testimony?

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. (Luke 2:16 - 17)

Was this any way to usher in the reign of the Messiah?

In the words of Janice Kapp Perry:*

His birth was so simple, the manger so plain

Where was the majesty fit for a King?

Born without fanfare, born without show,

That only the faithful might know.

Goliath found out the hard way that the Lord often chooses the weak and simple things of the earth to work out his purposes. They are the ones who be trusted to work in the Lord’s way and by His Spirit, not by their own designs.

So the Savior was born into a carpenter’s family, not one of the great houses of the time. He came from the wrong side of town, so many asked, “Who is this fellow?”

Who were his parents?

What kind of car does he drive?

What schools did he attend?

What honors has he acquired?

What – no scholarships, no sports trophies, no fine clothes, no professional

degrees, not the right clubs?

Who could have known on that Bethlehem night

The babe in the manger brought heaven’s pure light?

Only those who were wise, who followed the signs

Only they knew the child was divine.

And so in our time, when God decided to “restore all things in one,” (Eph 1:10) He again called upon the weak and simple things of the earth. A Boy prophet? Absurd! Why, he was from a poor family – why should we listen to this fellow. He’s a menace. You might as well accept the testimony of . . . shepherds!

But truly wise men, who watched for and followed the signs, came, and brought gifts and worshipped. Today, wise men still seek him.

What gifts will we bring? “What do you want for Christmas?” What does Jesus want for Christmas this year?

So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (John 21:15 - 17)

And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. (Doctrine and Covenants 15:6)

Who could have known that the baby so small

Was sent by the Father to rule over all?

Only those who have seen, who heard angels sing

Only they knew the child was a King.

Only they knew the love He would bring.

Only those who believed, who knelt at his feet

To worship the wee perfect one.

Only they knew the child was God’s son.

My Christmas wish is that we may be privileged to hear the angels sing and then, in gratitude and wonder, feed His sheep.

*”Who Could Have Known,” from Sing a Song of Christmas, Prime Recordings, Provo, 1988.