Jesus. The True Story of Christmas.

"And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
"To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
"And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
"And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
—Luke 2:4-11

Seven vs. Seven

There is a series of seven characters mentioned by name in the first two chapters of Luke and another series of seven in the first two verses of chapter 3. The first includes Zacharias, Elisabeth, Mary, Joseph, Simeon, Anna, and John the Baptist; while those in the second are Tibrias Caesar, Pontius Pilate, Herod, Philip, Lysanias, Annas, Caiaphas.

The first seven are representative of the few, despised faithful among the people of God. Them the world did not know and did not care whether it knew them.

The other seven was the whole world in its might and glory—the Roman emperor and the empire over which he ruled, the Roman governor and all Judea, Herod and all his court, Annas and Caiaphas and with them the apostate nation that was ere long to crucify its Lord.

Of the first seven the world took no notice, but they were precious to God.

Of the other seven the world filled its books with their history, their exploits, their achievements. But God in His Word gives them just one and one-half verses while the other despised seven rate one hundred thirty-two verses.

The first seven are dear to God's heart because of their attitude to His beloved Son. The second seven are ignored because whosoever does not know and love Christ is of no account in God's sight.

-The angels praise God.
-The shepherds made known what was told them concerning the Child, and men wondered at the things told them by the shepherds.
-Mary pondered all these things in her heart.
-Simeon waited for the consolation of Israel
-Joseph marveled at the things spoken of the Babe
-Anna gave thanks to the Lord and spoke of Him to all that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Those are the men and women God knows. Do you belong to them?
—August Van Ryn