Joy To The World

In Galatians 4:4, Paul describes the long-anticipated coming of Messiah as “the fullness of time”.  Prophecies and promises heralded the perfect time in history for God to come to earth and give His life as a ransom the souls of the willing.  In Luke’s narrative, chapter two presents us with that precious sequence of events.

The first century AD in Palestine was a bleak and oppressive time.  Sure the Temple was still there for the Jews, but there was something amiss.  Built by Herod the Great, it was impressive.  But, Herod was a Roman puppet, not a son of David.  The common man was caught in a vice between the warring Sadducees and Pharisees, giving them a sense that they couldn’t ever be “good enough”.  And, of course, there was Caesar…

In the bleak and joyless days a decree came from Caesar and all of the Jews had to go to their ancestral home for a census.  Not great timing for a very pregnant young lady and her new husband.  Obediently they went back, but could not find lodging.  Now, the baby chose to make an appearance.  Happy days, right?

Unaware of the labor pains of Mary – and there could very well have been others at the same time – some shepherds were doing what they always did this time of year.  Other than the occasional wolf, it could be boring.  It was a living to be sure, but not something that was a cause for great rejoicing.  Then, the angel changed all of that with the news.

After 8 days, the young parents took Jesus to be circumcised in the same manner as every other faithful Jewish family with a newborn son.  Then, they presented Him at the Temple.  It should have been routine.  But, Simeon was waiting for Jesus.  The Holy Spirit promised him he would live to see this particular boy.  Why?  Because in the fullness of time, Messiah – the consolation of Israel – had come.  Simeon could die in peace.

The news got even better, Jesus was to bring light to the Gentiles, too.  Joseph and Mary were stunned as they heard these things.  Mary tucked them away in her heart.  She knew what she had been told.  Joseph remembered what the angel told him.  Still it was surreal.

Many days and years would pass before all of these things truly made sense for Mary.  From the 12 year old boy amazing the teachers in the Temple to a dying man on a Roman cross, there were good days and bad days, I’m sure.  But there were none better than the Sunday she went to the tomb of her son she helped bury a couple of days before.  He was dead, but now He lives!