I was thinking about the narrative of the birth of Jesus as I unpacked the Fisher Price Little People nativity set today for my kids. Whenever they find the angel and put it in its rightful place atop the stable, I always recite the angel’s words to the shepherds:

“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord…” 

Luke 2:10-11

I usually recite the whole proclamation, and without fail, I choke up a bit. This was such a historically significant moment!

Later that morning as I studied Jeremiah in my quiet time, I was pondering the angel’s words in juxtaposition to Jeremiah 17:5 “cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord.” These words highlight the uniqueness of the birth the angels proclaimed.

A God-Man Worthy of Trust

That baby, born of Mary, was no ordinary child, no common man. God told Israel not place their trust in man, then an angel comes announcing a new source of joy and hope found in a newborn babe. How vividly this demonstrates that Jesus is so much more than a man. He was fully God and fully man, divine flesh. 

“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.”

Hebrews 1:3

In contrast to Jeremiah, this man is worthy of our trust, this divine flesh can be our strength.

In Him is strength and great joy. In Him is forgiveness and life. In Him is transformation and a reason for hope, for expectation.

Expectation

• for grace in your time of need
• for the Spirit who teaches you to say “no” to ungodliness
• that He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear
• that He is refining you like silver
• that He is able to do far more abundantly than all that you ask or think
• that when you ask for wisdom it will be given
• that when you pray according to His will, He hears you and you have what you ask
• that He is near
• that you will appear with Him in glory

Are you weak? Are you thirsting? Are you joyless?

Look to the meek and lowly manger, to the Rescuer who triumphed by death. Look to the Son who fully pleased the Father and secured us a place in His kingdom. Look to the spotless Lamb slain, whose blood eternally intercedes on our behalf.

“Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.” 

Hebrews 12:12-13

I pray that your heart would be warmed and filled with hope as you contemplate the angel’s message this Christmas season. Our Healer has come. Hope was born.

Forsake the empty things you so often look for strength in, and receive the newborn babe. Divine flesh. Savior-King.

He is for all the people—for you.

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