Luke 2 reminds me of living on the wrong side of the tracks. In every town there is a section where the have-nots live. The stores aren’t as nice, the houses aren’t as nice and many of the people see no way out. Today’s chapter speaks about living with a purpose. It begins with the familiar Christmas story; “Caesar… issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world… And everyone went to their own town to register”. Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem, the city of David, where they had family roots. “Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born”. Bethlehem probably had an old faded sign noting it was the birthplace of King David, but the glory days were long gone. Even in this small town, Joe and Mary were treated with disdain. Unmarried and pregnant, “There was no guest room available for them”. In the barn, “she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger”. The Savior napped in a food trough. Christ was not born in a palace, He was born into poverty to proclaim good news to the poor and lead the way to salvation.
The next characters mentioned “were shepherds living out in the fields nearby”. As a group, they were dirty, smelly and wild; perhaps the last people you would want to speak on your behalf. And yet, “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified”. These guys were accustomed to being accused. The angels said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord”. Let me reiterate, it is good news of great joy for all people. This message is not only for the elite, it is for ALL people. “When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed”. Who would listen to shepherds? Probably others that were living on the fringe.
The chapter continues with the purpose of Jesus being revealed. “When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to… Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on Him”. Every year they went to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. When Jesus was twelve years old, “Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it”. Joe and Mary returned and “After three days they found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard Him was amazed at His understanding and His answers”. I believe Jesus was teaching them the meaning behind each of the symbols in the Passover festival. Passover was a solemn reminder of God’s final plague in Egypt, in which the blood of the lamb was spread on the doorposts and lintels; the angel passed over the homes that believed God’s promise. Jesus asked His parents, “Why were you searching for Me?” That is the question we all need to ask. What is missing? For many the answer is peace with God. That is the purpose of Jesus, He became our mediator. By the blood of the lamb, all who believe are made right with God. “For Christ, our Passover lamb has also been sacrificed” to atone for our sins. Jesus asked them, “Didn’t you know I had to be in My Father’s house?” Friend, where have you been looking? If you have a wrong-side of the tracks mentality, please know that you too were created for a purpose. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).