[This is one in a series of devotional reflections prepared for Horley Baptist Church during December 2023]
Well, as it happens, today it is mine. One wintry December day sometime in the middle of the previous century the ambient noise level of a north London suburb was suddenly raised by several decibels. Actually I am speculating there as I have no memory of the event myself but I understand that it is normal for a new baby to announce his arrival.
If we are to believe the writers of Christmas carols, it was on another bleak midwinter day that another baby arrived, the peace of a silent night was broken. We are told that, while no crying he made, nevertheless there was a great choir celebrating the event. People came from afar to bring him gifts.
My birth was adequately recorded, by the standards of the time: birth certificate, hospital discharge papers, even a mention in the church notices. I wonder if the name of Jesus Bar-joseph appeared in the records of the census that Caesar Augustus initiated. Be that as it may, his birth was well documented both before and after the event. Some 700 years earlier the Old Testament prophet Micah knew where he was going to be born:
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. Micah 5 v2 [NIVUK]
One of the duties, and joys, of prospective parents is to choose a name for the impending arrival. What are the considerations? Does repeating the name of the parent show respect or a lack of imagination? Are there names which carry an association that rules them out? Choosing the wrong name can have an adverse impact on the child’s future. Joseph did not face that dilemma:
… you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins. Matthew 1 v21 [BSB]
Most new parents have expectations and ambitions for their child: perhaps a charismatic leader, a good physician or a respected teacher. For those of us whose birthday candles are more indicative of decades rather than years, it is often the case these ambitions have failed to be realised; we become part of the ‘critical mass’ that allows others achieve their potential.[1] But Jesus was different, he fulfilled all that was foretold about him.
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53 v5 [NIVUK]
So, as once again we contemplate the image of a baby lying calmly on a bed of straw, we do well to remember that man can live for evermore because of Christmas Day.
Resources:
[1] Leaders need followers, physicians need patients, teachers need students.
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Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © the Author
My Richard was born on the 23rd!
Thank you Steve for your reflections and a belated happy birthday.