By: Dale Weckbacher
Luke 2:10-12
But the angel said to
them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy
that will be for all the people:[f] 11 Today in the
city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the
Lord. 12 This will be the sign for you: You
will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”
(CSB)
As Biff approached the shepherds, he realized he was not
alone for the shepherds were quickly surrounded by reporters from every other
news network. Biff felt anger at the
possibility of losing his exclusive story and confronted the other
reporters. “Hey everyone, back off. This is my exclusive story for I have already
interviewed the parents and need to follow up by interviewing these shepherds.
Then, one of the reporters from Jerusalem Cable News (JCN)
got in Biff’s face and said, “Biffy, we have been following these shepherds
since the news of the choir of angels singing in the heavens occurred. You may have an exclusive on interviewing the
parents of the baby, but we have the exclusive on the story of the shepherds.” Knowing they had a point, Biff backed off
realizing they were right.
Eli, the head shepherd, hearing the argument intervened and
said, “Gentlemen, no need to argue for this is a momentous time in
history. Why don’t we all sit down and
hear what we have to share for it is not a message for one network, but a
message for the entire world to hear.” With
much reluctance, and some grumbling, the reporters sat down to hear what the
shepherds had to say.
After everything settled down, Eli began to speak, “Tonight
began like any other night. We had just
fed our flocks and were preparing to settle down around the fire for the night
to get some sleep. I remember thinking
how ironic it was that I covered up with a blanket made of the very wool
provided by the sheep I tended.”
“I was almost asleep when I was startled by a loud noise and
bright light in the sky. My initial
concern was for my sheep, so I got up ready to battle anyone threatening my
sheep for this is the duty of a good shepherd.
However, as I looked up and saw a choir of heavenly angels, I realized my
staff would be no match for any threat they presented to my sheep and instead
bowed down realizing something bigger than myself was occurring. However, before we make our announcement we
need to go in and see the baby and parents that caused the angels to make this
grand announcement.”
After spending time with the parents and baby, the shepherds
came out of the stable. Their faces
seemed different after their encounter with them and made Biff begin to wonder
the significance of what was really going on here. Eli stood up in front of the reporters at
which time Biff and the other reporters became quiet with anticipation at what
they would hear.
“While I, like yourselves was uncertain about what was
happening here in Bethlehem, after spending time with Mary, Joseph, and their
baby, things are becoming clear. The
fact that Mary is a virgin indicates this is a special birth and baby like the birth
of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah in their late years. Isaiah
7:14 foretold of a virgin giving birth to a son and that his name would be
Immanuel. The angelic announcement to
myself and my shepherds told us that the baby born in this stable was our
savior and Messiah and that we would find him in a stable. What we just saw in this stable confirms this
announcement and why we believe Jesus, the baby born in this stable is the long-awaited
Jewish savior and Messiah.”
Biff could no longer remain silent and had to speak up, “Wait
a minute, how can you be sure, babies are born every day.”
“To a virgin?”
“You have a point there but aren’t we taking her and Joseph’s
word on that?”
“That’s true but you are all reporters, so I would suggest
you go to Nazareth their home town to find out what kind of people Mary and
Joseph are.”
“Great idea,” said one of the reporters from JCN.
Eli continued, “In fact, I would recommend each of you ask
your bosses about keeping track of the growth of this baby for if what I
believe Scripture says is true about this child, remarkable things are in
store.”
Biff thought for a moment and quickly called his boss,
requesting assignment to this task. His
boss agreed with the stipulation he still had to carry out his other
assignments. So intrigued was Biff at
the events he saw in Bethlehem that he accepted the assignment.
To be continued as we begin a Wednesday study of the Gospel
of Mark starting January 2, 2019.
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