December 17, 2024

“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:12, niv)

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Without ever being told, “Go find the baby Jesus,” the shepherds just knew they had to find Him. In their minds there could be little doubt that they must locate this newborn Messiah. But where? How would they find a tiny baby in the hustle and bustle of overcrowded Bethlehem?

Would He be found in a palace, being admired by kings, governors, and princes? Or maybe they would find Him in a synagogue, attended by priests, prophets, and even angels. How would they find the baby?

The answer was so surprising! After being startled by the voice of an angel and struck by the glory of the Lord, these shepherds heard that the glorious Messiah would be wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger! The shepherds could not have expected to find their Savior sheltered in a barn and lying in a feeding trough for animals. Yet in just such a humble place they would find Jesus.

This year our Christmas lights and glorious anthems will again arrest our attention as the angelic voices did for the shepherds so long ago. We expect to find Jesus in the bright lights of the Christmas trees and in the pageantry of our celebrations.

Yet we will find Jesus not in these fireworks, but in humble acts of service and in times of quiet meditation. We find Him in the pages of our Bibles and in the folds of our heart. We find Him on our knees and in giving to a needy person who cannot give back to us. He is found, most surprisingly, in the humblest of places. Seek Him there!

 

Dr. Victor D. Anderson
Director of PhD Studies, Interim Chair and Professor of Pastoral Ministries