Have you ever sat and thought about the variety of responses recorded in the Bible to the birth of Jesus Christ?

MARY (His mother): Luke 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

SHEPHERDS: Luke 2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

PEOPLE OF BETHLEHEM: Luke 2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

KING HEROD: Matthew 2:3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

WISE MEN: Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

SIMEON (Elderly righteous man in Jerusalem): Luke 2:28-32 Then took he [Jesus] up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

I don’t suppose these responses were much different than what they would be today. Actually, the mixed emotions were not the result of a baby’s birth, but rather Who the baby was. The news must have spread quickly that this little one was the Christ (Messiah), Emmanuel ("God with us"), King of the Jews.

To some, this was good news, but to other, it was bad news. Matthew’s gospel tells us that Herod became exceedingly angry after his encounter with the wise men. He became upset because he feared that a king had been born who might try to take the throne from him.

It is abundantly clear in the Word of God that Jesus came to "save his people from their sins" (Mt. 2:21). The shepherds heard an angelic messenger assuringly say, "I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people" (Luke 2:10).

Sad to say that not everyone in that day nor today thinks that what Jesus came into this world to do is necessary. Many people are quite satisfied with their sins and do not think they need to be forgiven. So, the news of Jesus’ birth has little interest or affect on them.

Does that mean we should just let people go their own way, assuming we can do nothing to help them? Certainly not! Although there are those who are not interested, there are also others who would welcome hearing more about Him. This is a wonderful season of opportunity for each believer to share what Jesus has done for us and what He will do for all who place their faith in Him. Engage people in conversation about Christ and Christmas; give them a tract; invite them to our Christmas Eve service--opportunities abound in the next three weeks to share this "good news which shall be to all people." You might be surprised how the Lord will use your efforts. Be faithful and let Him give the increase.

Jim Sproul, B.A., B.D.
Senior Adults Pastor