After the Birth

N.T.#484 "After the Birth"

Feb. 11, 2025 

Luke 2-Part 5 

LET IT GLOW 

When extraordinary things have happened in your life,? Don't we marvel at them as a work of God? The shepherds, Mary and Joseph experienced those things. Read on to find out what happened. 

The shepherds went to Bethlehem to see the Savior, Christ the Lord. They found Mary, Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger. (verse 16) They didn't keep the exciting news of the Jew's long-awaited Messiah being born. to themselves. They made it know abroad. The shepherds must have gone back to work in the fields as changed men, glorifying and praising God. (verse 20)

But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. (verse 19)

As a mother, I can understand Mary thinking about the events surrounding her son; Gabriel visited her with an extraordinary message, her becoming pregnant with knowing a man, visiting her cousin Elisabeth confirming it all, Joseph's dream and marrying her, then the shepherds sharing their visits. How overwhelming it must have been for a young Jewish girl to have experienced it all, plus giving birth to the Son of the Highest. I always wondered if God gave Mary a painless birthing.. I think down through the years Mary kept thinking about events of her son's birth.

LET IT GROW 

What were some of the Jewish ceremonies the parents did after the birth of a boy?

• Then when Jesus turned 8 days old, Mary and Joseph took Him to be circumcised and name. If a child born is a boy, the Jewish parents would dedicate him to the Lord. Mary and Joseph did this. They offered either  a pair of turtledoves or 2 young pigeons.
•  It was also time for their purification offering, for the mother, which occurred 40 days after the birth of a son as Moses's law required. This took place at the Temple in Jerusalem. 
• Redemption of the firstborn, as presented to God 1 month after birth. They were buying back the child who belonged to God, who alone has the power to give life. (verses 21-24) (Life Application Study Bible)

Jesus was not born above the Law, instead, He fulfilled it perfectly.  Keep in mind that this new family did not return to Nazareth right away. 

Because we can't keep the Law perfectly, we need a Savior/Redeemer-Jesus Christ. Have you trusted Him as your Savior? What about your family?

LET IT GO

 Lord Jesus, we give thanks for all You have done for us.

Such grace and mercy You show us!

Glory to Your Name!