Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about" (Luke 2:13-15). As Luke tells us the story of Christ's birth, many of the details may be lost on us. The story Pastor Anthony told us yesterday fits within the ancient near eastern context. We have westernized the story so much that we miss such possibilities. Let's talk about mangers today. In our imaginations, they are made of wood and filled with straw. It's very unlikely that this is what Luke had in mind. They're feeding troughs, of course. But in ancient Israel, they were made of stone. Not super-comfortable, but a safe place. It's said that there were special herds of sheep being raised on the hills around Bethlehem. From these herds, the priests would select the lambs used for the sacrifices in Jerusalem. They would find the lambs that were perfect, without blemish, that were suitable for the blood sacrifice which was offered twice a day to cover Israel's sin. But once the lambs were selected, they needed to be kept from getting bruised or bumped. It is said that the priests would wrap them up tightly. They'd swaddle them, wrapping them in cloths, like precious and fragile bottles of wine. And they'd lay them in a manger. Is this why the angel said that a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in manage would be a sign to the shepherds? Was Jesus' first resting place already an indication of his destiny? Was his manger a sign that he would be the final sacrifice? As the Bible says, "For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy" (Hebrews 10:14). This fits with the angel's announcement that he is bringing news of great joy, "a Saviour has been born, the Messiah, the Lord" (Luke 2:12). And there is more. The life of a shepherd was such that it was impossible for them to observe the Jewish ceremonial laws and temple rituals. They were considered religiously unclean and unacceptable. They raised the lambs for sacrifice but were unable to benefit from these offerings. They never heard the priest declare, "Your sins are forgiven." It is to them that the angel says, "To you a Saviour has been born." Like Matthew, Luke weaves the cross into the story of Jesus' birth. There is nothing sentimental about Christmas. Heaven is invading earth. It's a clash of kingdoms. Its war, as Revelation details. But its not war as we humans make it. Jesus is born to die. He will offer himself as the final sacrifice. He himself says to us, "Your sins are forgiven." In response to this declaration, the heavenly messenger is joined by an angelic army praising God. How else can we respond to the declaration that our Saviour is here? Any true Christmas celebration results in the worship of God. With the invading heavenly army we sing, "Glory to God in the highest." Someone once wrote, "Most middle class tend to worship their work, to work at their play and to play at their worship.  As a result, their meanings and values are distorted." Christmas, as Luke tells the story, sets things in the right order. Christmas is about salvation, about making all things new. In response to what God is doing, worship becomes primary. Since Christmas is about redemption, we sing with the heavenly army, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." As you worship, go with this blessing: Though you walk in darkness, may you see the great light. Though you live in a land of deep shadows—may you see light! sunbursts of light! May God increase your life, expand your joy. May you be glad in his presence! May God give you the joy of a great celebration, sharing rich gifts and warm greetings (cf. Isaiah 9:2-3 MSG).

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