The Light of Peace

Isaiah 9:6; Luke 2:8-20
By Harold Dinsmore, M.Div.
© 2007 Harold Dinsmore

               The child of the manger would have been insignificant if we had not known the promises, the dream and the vision.  The shepherds could have traveled in most any direction and found someone who had just delivered a baby.  But this was no ordinary child, for this child was the Son of God.  Without this revelation from God, Christmas is just a mystery.

               Had it not been for God making promises of a coming Messiah, would this event differ from any other?  Had it not been for God’s love, would this child’s birth mean any more than any other child’s birth?  Had it not been for God’s desire to reconcile man to Himself, would there have been a birth of a Savior at all?

               The significance of this child’s birth can certainly be found in the angelic announcement before the shepherds that night.  “…unto you… a Savior is born, who is Christ the Lord.”  In order to do justice to a person, we need the clear-eyed vision of the angels, and we also need ears capable of hearing their song.” ^*

               Why was this announcement made before the shepherds in the first place?  They had difficult and demanding jobs.  They lived with no roof over their heads most of the time.  They were paid low wages, lived a nomadic lifestyle.