December 18, 2023

Christ is born.

Luke 2:13-18

Sammie Johnston
Monday's Devo

December 18, 2023

Monday's Devo

December 18, 2023

Monday's Devo

December 18, 2023

Monday's Devo

December 18, 2023

Big Idea

God with us.

Key Verse | Luke 2:15

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."

Luke 2:13-18

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!” 1 2:14 Some manuscripts peace, good will among men

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.

Footnotes

[1] 2:14 Some manuscripts peace, good will among men

S2:246 Luke 2:13-18

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Luke 2:13-18

"It's a boy!"

An explosion of joyful celebration erupted in the hospital waiting room following the nurse's announcement. All of us gathered there had waited almost eight months for this son/grandson/nephew. We quickly exchanged hugs, laughter, and tears of joy, then quickly took out our phones and shared the great news with our friends and neighbors!

Luke describes another birth announcement in this chapter of his Gospel. Look at the scene with me. Shepherds are out watching their sheep on the least desirable, extremely unglamorous night shift. Suddenly an angel appears, accompanied by the manifestation of God's glory. The shepherds are terrified! The angel reassures them that they have no reason to fear because he has amazing news of a supernatural birth: the long-awaited Messiah, "a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" is born!

Now these shepherds aren't friends or family of Mary and Joseph. Actually, the nature of their work makes them ceremonially unclean. They are probably social outcasts, definitely not the cool crowd. But God sends the angel to give the Good News to the lowly shepherds for a reason. Jesus has come to save ALL people, from the ordinary to the outcasts. This magnificent news brings great joy because this baby is the one all of Israel has been waiting for! The Jews have been eagerly anticipating the Anointed One of God, Christ the Messiah. The word Lord refers to deity, so the angel is announcing that God has arrived in the human form of a baby boy, His words leaving no doubt about this baby's identity.

The celebration begins! All heaven breaks into praise. This arrival of God's Son on earth brings the armies of heaven's angels to sing a praise song to God. In His great mercy, God provides a Savior for mankind, bringing peace between sinful humanity and holy God. 

Realizing the angel's message comes from God and experiencing the heavenly angelic praise and worship service, the shepherds hurry off to Bethlehem to see this newborn baby boy. They are SO excited to see Him in person that they immediately go and tell others all about this good news!

This month's memory verse

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
    and renew a right spirit within me.

– Psalm 51:10

Discussion Questions

1. When you hear the name Jesus, what do you visualize? A baby in a manger? Do you see Him as your Savior, the Lord of your life? Whoever you are, whatever you do, Jesus came to earth to be YOUR Savior and Lord! You don't need to have extraordinary qualifications to have Jesus in your life; He accepts you just as you are.

2. How are you abiding in Jesus? What have you discovered about Jesus that is so awesome, so glorious that you just can't keep yourself from sharing your joy in Jesus with your friends and family? Whom have you told this week?

3. Whom can you teach about Jesus—His true identity, His birth announcement, His life, death, and resurrection? What will you share with them? What will you say? Do you treasure all these things in your own heart? Share your plan with your community group.

4. What is your favorite Christmas music? Which part of Jesus' life does it celebrate? Listen to some Christmas carols and write down a praise to God for sending us our Savior who is Christ the Lord.

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

MS

Michael Sisson

Re: Lk 2:18-20 Luke 2:18-20 (NASB) And >>>all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.<<< But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. >>>The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.<<< May we who’ve heard and believed glorify and praise G-d by feeding His sheep…pointing them to the manger…just as we’ve been told. (See Jn 21:15-17)
HS

Hugh Stephenson

Good morning, Sammie. And good morning to all my JTJ siblings. I LOVE your contrast of the much-awaited birth in a modern hospital delivery room and the hardly noticed birth of the Savior of the World. It’s such a sharp contrast! The single most important event in the history of the world was unnoticed by almost everyone. God message in this fact and all the other details speaks powerfully to the purpose and plan of God as well as the mission of Jesus. Even more, it informs my understanding of my role and calling in His kingdom. In a world and a culture that celebrates celebrity I am called not to seek it. And if I get to be known to always point through myself to God whose purpose I am delightfully oriented to knowing and doing. Q1. Visualization of Jesus? The formalized “high church” in which I grew up didn’t mention Jesus a lot other than in some parts of the Prayer Book and in some liturgies. So, for me, “JESUS!” was what I usually heard from a street preacher or when channel surfing and hitting one of “those” channels. It wasn’t until I got to Watermark that Jesus’s name became part of most conversations. Now it’s in songs and writings every day, Q2. How am I abiding? When my mother died in 1980, I was 22. One of the hymns she wanted sung was “Abide With Me”. I had never heard of that hymn or that word before her funeral. In recent years I have adopted John 15:5 as a life verse. It’s about abiding. I love the imagery of me as a branch that must stay attached to the vine. Even more, a recent group talk at The Eden Project connected the dots for me in a new way. The point was that abiding is what I’m “doing” when I’m attached to the vine. But I’m not “doing” anything. As a vine, I am soaking in the sunlight and the rain. That’s it. That’s all. Period. In this regard, I’m totally passive. There is nothing for a vine to “do”. No task list. No email in-box. No strategic plan. No tactical processes. Just abide. And bear the fruit that God designs and intends, (Galatians 5:22-23). Q3. In recovery and discipleship ministries teaching the truth of who Jesus is and what he’s done for us is the primary task. It certainly was for the leaders who taught me. Q4. Favorite Christmas music? O Holy night sung by Celine Dion. Hands down. The key lyric is: “Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till He appears and the soul felt it’s worth.” For me, that’s the gospel in one line. Enjoy- https://youtu.be/jI7NYbG0SZ8?si=UfSYRzZiVluD5kXM
HS

Hugh Stephenson

So here we are again. Two humble servants of the LORD. Rightly oriented. Godly focused. Praying for Israel and Jerusalem. Obedient Faithful Patient Surrendered If either had died without seeing the Messiah would they have been disappointed as they lay on their deathbed? Simeon? Maybe. After all he had a promise. But maybe he misunderstood? Anna? Maybe less likely. The text doesn’t mention a promise. My guess is that neither would have been disappointed. Why? They had a deep and abiding faith. They were abiding. Without knowing Hebrews 12:1-3 they knew what it said anyway. They knew God and believed His promises. To me, they represent the phrase “in the world, but not of it”. It’s worth a re-read of the passages for both of them. Like Zechariah, they’re great models. The ESV SB has a preface on Proverbs- It talks about living out “a quiet ordered life of covenantal faithfulness.” When I think of that phrase I think of Simeon and Anna. Among others. They knew how powerful prayer is. And what to pray for. So, that’s what they did. ——————————————————— Of the several themes in Luke these two stand out to me. -The coming and indwelling of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus and his followers. The Spirit is present in the Gospel of Luke, from the births of John the Baptist and Jesus to the end. The Spirit is present at Jesus’ dedication in the temple, his baptism, temptation, early ministry, and first sermon. The Holy Spirit is central to the message of John the Baptist, and Jesus at his ascension promises the Spirit’s future coming in power. -Believers are to live a life of prayer and practice good stewardship with their possessions. In Luke’s narrative, prayer occurs at every major point in Jesus’ life: at his baptism; at his selection of the Twelve; at Peter’s confession; at Jesus’ transfiguration; in his teaching the Lord’s Prayer; before Peter’s denial; ————————————————————————————— On prayer and fasting- Luke 2:36–37 worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. God reveals his secret purposes in history to humble servants who continually live in his presence (cf. Amos 3:7; Luke 24:53).
HS

Hugh Stephenson

The notes below speak to and clarify how Simeon and Anna were ideal prototypes of a Godly man and a Godly woman. From TC, (with some edits)- From vv 2:25-26 More on Simeon- “Simeon was a godly individual who testified publicly to Jesus' significance under divine inspiration. This was part of Luke's purpose of assuring his readers that Jesus was indeed the Lord. Luke used the testimony of credible people to do this. Simeon possessed the three essential characteristics of Old Testament piety: -first, he was "righteous and devout"; -second, he was one of the believing remnant in Israel who was looking for Messiah's appearing: "the consolation of Israel." -Third, the Holy Spirit was upon him. Many readers have assumed that Simeon was an old man, but the text does not say that, though he may have been.” -The Holy Spirit led Simeon to be present in the temple courtyard when Mary and Joseph arrived to consecrate Jesus to God (cf. 4:1). Again, the presence of Jesus became an occasion for joy and praise of God (1:46-55; 2:14, 20). This was consistently the response of the godly to Jesus in Luke's Gospel. -Simeon acknowledged that Messiah had come. He felt ready to die since God had fulfilled His promise to him (v. 26). This statement may imply that he was an old man, but it may just be a way of saying that Simeon felt that this was the greatest experience in his life. Simeon properly regarded God as his sovereign, and himself as God's "bond-servant" (Gr. doulos). He equated the Messiah with God's salvation. He also viewed the salvation that Jesus would provide as being worldwide, not just for Israel (cf. Ps. 98:3; Isa. 52:10). More on Anna - “Anna was a widow who had devoted herself to the worship and service of God in the temple (cf. 1 Tim. 5:5). Luke again recorded God's providential timing in bringing this godly woman to Jesus at this time (cf. v. 27).” “Like Simeon, Anna was anticipating God's deliverance of Israel through Messiah (cf. v. 25). The references to Simeon looking forward to the consolation of Israel, in verse 25, and Anna looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem, in verse 38, act as a pair of bookends (inclusio) holding the Simeon and Anna episodes together. God gave Anna prophetic insight into Jesus' identity. The godly in Jerusalem undoubtedly learned about Messiah's birth from reliable Simeon and Anna (cf. 1:68)—two more witnesses (cf. v. 17), this time a male and a female.” "They represent the long history of an expectant people, nourished by God's promise. Zechariah and Elizabeth also fit this character type. They, too, are righteous, careful observers of the law (1:6), old (1:7), and filled with the prophetic Spirit when they recognize the fulfillment of God's promise (1:41, 67). These people represent their faith at its best, according to the values of the implied author, even though Zechariah has temporary doubts. To them the coming of the long awaited salvation is revealed." "Festive seasons were not the only occasions which brought worshippers to Jerusalem. Every trespass and sin, every special vow and offering, and every defilement called them to the Temple." "Simeon's words echo the universalism of Isaiah (see esp. Isa 42:6; 49:6; 52:10; 60:1-2) and the role of the Servant of the Lord in this universal salvation.[229]
GJ

greg jones

Good morning Sammie. I wrote a comment Friday that feelers a little awkward today. Shepherding wasn’t regarded as an honorable profession by the cultures that surrounded Israel. There is a time later in Jewish writings where shepherd’s will tend to have a bad reputation. Why that is and everything that influenced that view is debated. Abraham Isaac Jacob Moses and David all herded sheep and goats. The LORD is my shepherd I shall not want, David compares his God to a shepherd. I’m not Jewish, but my understanding is the Jewish view of shepherds and shepherding today is honorable and positive. As was the Jewish view during the writing of the NT. Many modern Jewish teachings ascribe the nature of the role of a shepherd as being conducive to what we consider abiding. A low view shepherds seems to be a tradition we’ve inherited with some roots that can be traced. None of that would would change this statement: “Jesus has come to save ALL people, from the ordinary to the outcasts.” Evidence of that is found throughout the Gospels. Thank you. I love this in the opening chapter of Mark. Simon’s mother-in-law only gets one mention in the NT suggesting there is nothing special about her except her response. And like the shepherds she responds to what she’s experienced. Now Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever, and immediately they told him of her. And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her; and she served them. Mark1:30-31 Someone said you haven’t been saved from something as much as you’ve been saved for something.
MS

Michael Scaman

And now .. I asked chatGPT to be my scribe but improve on that giving it suggestions and it wrote with a title: Title: Divine Enigma: A Nativity Reflection A chaptGPT poem about Christmas High in the sky, did angels sing to shepherds, humble and low? In their quiet abode, where gentle breezes softly blow. When Jesus, divine and blessed, graced the world with his birth, Did night truly turn to radiant day, illuminating the earth? Did celestial beams bathe the landscape in heavenly light, Guiding shepherds through the darkness, dispelling the night? Yet, when the Savior drew his final breath, a moment divine, Did day indeed turn to solemn night, a cosmic shift, a celestial sign? In Bethlehem's stillness, did the shepherds embark on their quest, Knocking on doors, seeking a manger, divinely blessed? How many homes and stables witnessed their resolute pursuit, As they sought the infant King, a journey profound and absolute? In the quiet corners of Bethlehem, did mysteries take flight, Did the baby cry, a sound defying the silent night? Contrary to the tale, where no crying he made, Did the infant's wail echo, in the darkness it swayed? Neighbors, bystanders, gazing at the unfolding scene, Did they hear the cries, the paradox unforeseen? In the celestial ballet, where heaven and earth entwined, Were the shepherds guided by whispers, the divine assigned? Did night truly turn to day and day to night in the Savior's span, A celestial rhythm, a divine master plan? So, as we ponder this tale of wonder, in stillness we stand, Reflecting on the cosmic dance, scripted by God's own hand. For in the potential cry of an infant, in the night so deep, A promise kept, eternal love in our hearts to keep.
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thanks Sammie. I’ve been thinking about “arrival joy” in a new way the past 24 hours. I’ve been on a weekend cruise with my sister out of Miami, and yesterday we got off the ship in Nassau, Bahamas just to get off the ship. To my surprise and delight, Carnival’s brand-new Jubilee ship sailed into port from the shipyard in Germany and docked right next to us. I’ve been closely following her construction for 2 years; Ray and I will be on her 3rd sailing, from Galveston, in January. I had read that the Jubilee would stop in Nassau after its trans-Atlantic sailing, but I didn’t connect the dots about the fact that I was also going to Nassau till I saw this MAMMOTH ship slowly making its way into port and read “Jubilee” on the stern. My heart leaped—“OH MY WORD! SHE’S HERE, SHE’S HERE!!” And suddenly it was like I was one of the shepherds the night of the Savior’s arrival. I couldn’t believe my eyes—except it was really happening! Nowhere near the cosmic importance of Jesus’ birth, of course—but still a special blessing from the Lord to me. I am so grateful.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. I visualize answers and resources in life. I visualize peace and things that can help achieve peace. Jesus is my Savior, the Lord in my life, and I agree this does not occur because of extraordinary qualifications. 2. I abide in Jesus by listening to Him and by looking to my strengths within me (God’s gifts) when doing anything. I also abide in Jesus by talking and listening to others, encouraging them to do their best. The joy of Jesus is awesome because it is unconditional. 3. Everyone should open themselves up to learning one more thing about Jesus even if they think they know everything. Jesus is a gift from God for each of us so we may realize our strengths. Jesus is also someone who helps us redeem ourselves if we don’t listen to God, mess up, and need a good helper to straighten things out. I do treasure and appreciate Jesus for the gift He is, for His life, death, and resurrection. 4. My favorite Christmas song is “Frosty the Snowman.” Frosty helps others and leaves a joyous spirit wherever he goes. Prayer: God, thank you for sending Jesus. The gift Jesus offers to everyone is priceless. May I celebrate Jesus and may others celebrate Jesus throughout the holidays and in everyday beyond the holidays. Amen. Sammie - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You make an excellent point in saying, “In His great mercy, God provides a Savior for mankind, bringing peace between sinful humanity and holy God.” How awesome for everyone!