Advent at Ararat 2024 - Day 20: Signs accompanied His birth.

“And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Obviously, when we read stories from the Bible, we are not given all the minutia of the events. Basically, we are told what we need to know to be able to form a correct picture.

Additionally, we see that many major events described in the word of God, have been prophesied at an earlier point in the Bible. As such, important events can be recognized and given due attention. Indeed, the prophetic word gives “signposts” letting us know where we are and what we are seeing.

In our opening scripture we see that the angel—having told the shepherds the good news of Christ being born—gives them two signs indicating that they have found the One Who is Christ the Lord.

First, the child will be swaddled in strips of cloth. Secondly, He will be lying in a manger.

Although swaddling was a common practice in those days (as is still today in some cultures), being accompanied with the fact that the newborn would be lying in a manger, basically would remove all doubt that they had found the Christ Child.

Now, why is this important? You see, what the shepherds probably had to do in order to find Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, is left to the imagination. We see the announcement by the heavenly host; and the next “scene,” finds them in the presence of the Holy Family.

Bear in mind, as discussed earlier, Bethlehem was overrun with people because of the census. Indeed, so many people were there that there was no place for Mary and Joseph to stay. Therefore, they were relegated to a “barn” of sorts.

So, the shepherds went and found Jesus. What we are not told in the narrative is that they probably didn’t go straight and find Him. Chances are that they went to any number of places throughout the city, before coming upon the stable in which the Christ Child was born.

Friend, our personal seeking for a savior can feel like a daunting task. In the confusion of our circumstances, many “voices” may offer relief. But, make no mistake, there is only One Savior.

Indeed, God has given us sure signs that Jesus is the Savior, the Messiah. Yes, He fulfilled every Old Testament prophecy concerning the coming Messiah.

Think of it, the testimony of the shepherds after having seen the Lord, was certainly reinforced by the fact that the angel had told them where He would be and in what state He would be found.

Indeed, God the Father shepherded every detail concerning the birth, life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus.

Those of us who recognize Jesus as being the Savior sent from God, do not hold a baseless belief. God’s word enumerates the clear signs that would accompany every aspect of His life. Yes, starting with His birth, the prophetic signs concerning the Messiah, point a big arrow at that precious baby boy in that manager in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago.

For today let us meditate on the sure signs the word of God has given us concerning the identity of our Lord. Additionally, consider the myriad signs pointing to the time of the Lord’s return, manifesting all around us today.

Oh, what a wonderful assurance we have that the baby boy sleeping in that manger on that Holy night in Bethlehem, was, indeed, the Savior, Christ the Lord.

As well, prophetic signs inform us that Jesus will soon return—not as a helpless infant—but as a conquering King! Are you looking for Him?

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!