As we continue to celebrate the birth of our Messiah, let us look at what Scripture tells us about the events that followed that night:
The Word says, “On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given Him before He was conceived.” (Luke 2: 21)
Joseph and Mary took the Baby to the temple in Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord as was required by the law of Moses for first born males. While they were there two more confirmations were made as to the fact of who He was and is. A man named Simeon who was righteous, and devout, and had the Holy Spirit on him took the baby in his arms and said, “Sovereign Lord, my eyes have seen your salvation.” And a prophet named Anna, who ‘gave thanks to God and spoke of the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.’ (Taken from Luke 2: 22-39)
In the gospel of Matthew, we find the event of the Lord sending Joseph and Mary to Egypt to escape the wrath of King Herod who, out of fear and jealousy for his throne, had all of the male babies who were around two years old in Bethlehem and surrounding areas killed after he was visited by the Magi who came looking for the ‘king of the Jews’. After the death of Herod, they returned to Israel, and to the town of Nazareth. For the prophets had proclaimed the Lord would be called a Nazarene. (Taken from Matthew 2: 1-23)
“When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own home town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God who was on Him.” (Luke 2:40)
God was His biological Father, and Joseph was His earthly Dad. Jesus learned from both. He was fully God, and fully man. The Word does not say, but can’t you imagine the awe of Mary and Joseph as they saw this child growing into a young man? As they saw him working as a carpenter, knowing who He was and that He was born to be the Savior of mankind; they must have praised God daily for the privilege of raising the Son of God, and sharing His life.
May we praise God daily for the privilege of knowing who Jesus Christ is. May we accept all He has done for us, and does for us, as We share in His life.
Blessings of grace, and peace, and joy, and perfect health, and prosperity and love to you, and yours, God’s Beloveds. Happy New Year!!!