It was a very dark time when Jesus Christ, our Savior, was born.
The Roman Emperor Augustus promoted the emperor and ancestor cult in his empire. He ruled Judea and burdened the people with heavy taxes while brutally suppressing any resistance. Crucifixion was a common method of punishment by the Romans, often carried out without a trial and taking place in public on streets and crossroads. It was intended to serve as a warning to people not to rebel against the Roman regime. The census mentioned in Luke 2:1 was done for the purpose of tax collection.
At the same time, King Herod ruled Judea with extreme cruelty, executing political opponents and even his own family members whom he viewed as a threat. Herod’s dismay and subsequent reaction to the wise men from the East asking about the newborn King of the Jews (Matthew 2:1-2) fit into this context. He was recognized by Rome as “King of the Jews.” His rule was marked by fear and mistrust. The additional high tax burden led to bitter poverty among the population. While a small elite who cooperated with the Romans, such as Herod, lived in abundance, many others struggled to survive. Although Herod magnificently expanded the temple, with the help of taxes, this magnificent building could not hide the deep spiritual need of the people.
In those days, God’s revelations were rare. About 430 years had passed from the last Old Testament prophet Malachi to the birth of Jesus. There were many groups among the pious Jews. There were the Sadducees, who controlled the Temple and were closely linked to the Romans. They were considered corrupt and more interested in power and wealth than godliness, which repelled many Jews. Then there were the Pharisees, who attached great importance to strict external adherence to the law and the numerous traditions and were respected by the people. But their hypocrisy and self-righteousness caused them to ignore the true meaning of the law – faith, love, justice, and mercy – making their worship weak and hollow. There were also several political-religious groups that advocated violent resistance to the Roman occupation and expected a political messiah who would overthrow Rome.
Then there were also people like Simeon (Luke 2:25-35), the prophetess Anna (verses 36-38), and others. They waited for the consolation and redemption of Israel, persevering in the darkness of time. Thus, in his canticle, Zechariah spoke of the tender mercy of God who “would give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:78-79). God fulfilled His promise and sent His only begotten Son.
Announced to the shepherds
The good news of the Savior’s birth was first announced to simple shepherds tending their flocks at night in the fields near Bethlehem (Luke 2:8-14). While most people in the surrounding settlements slept peacefully, the shepherds kept vigil outdoors through the night. Their life was anything but comfortable; it was a hard existence, marked by loneliness and deprivation. Although their work was of great importance for agriculture, they belonged to the lowest class of society.
There were several reasons for their difficult situation. Shepherds often did not own any animals of their own but instead looked after the herds of wealthy landowners. Herding other people’s animals was low-wage work in which they barely earned enough to support themselves. Then they spent most of their time far from the cities and villages, which made them social outcasts. Their living conditions were extremely simple – they rarely had a permanent residence, and they had to spend their days and nights outdoors guarding their herds from predators or thieves. Life on the fringes of society and the darkness of the night merged into a gloomy reality.
To these shepherds, the angel of the Lord appeared in the light of the glory of God. He said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). They were privileged to hear the praises of the heavenly host and accept the good news. Their earthly existence may not have changed significantly after this event, but we have every reason to believe that the morning star had risen in their hearts and filled them with divine peace and new hope.
Wonderful name
Jesus Christ, the Savior – what is the meaning of this wonderful name? When the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph of Nazareth in a dream, he said, “And she will bring forth a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). The first name, Jesus (Hebrew “Yeshua,” Greek “Iēsous”), means “Yahweh (God) is salvation.”
The name Christ (Hebrew “Mashiach,” Greek “Christos”), on the other hand, is not a middle name but the title of the promised Messiah, the one anointed by God.
Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, is God, the anointed Savior – a name that contains unparalleled authority and power but at the same time an unlimited sea of God’s love and mercy; a name that gives light, life, peace and hope; truly a name that is above every name (Philippians 2:9-11)! Times, generations, and socio-political events may come and go, but this name will endure. His kingdom is not of this world but endures forever.
The shadows of death under the reigns of Augustus and Herod were terrible but only physical. But since there is a crueler reign and an eternal, far more terrible death, Jesus Christ – love personified – came from the glory of the Father to this cold earth “to destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Hebrews 2:14b-15).
Believed and witnessed today
If you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and have claimed His sacrifice on the cross for your sins, you have passed from death to life. You have access to the fatherly heart of God and are allowed to live every day in this divine kinship. Whatever happens in the world or whatever happens to you in your life, you too can triumph with Paul: “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
Just don’t keep this happiness to yourself. Do not tire of sharing the good news. There are still so many people today who live in darkness and the shadow of death and who have no hope in this world. Jesus Christ gave His life for them too. Let the Holy Spirit fill you completely, and be a witness of God’s love in this dark time (Acts 1:8).
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