Confident in Christ at Chrismas

Moderator, Dr Sam Mawhinney, offers a Christmas reflection on how we can be confident in Jesus this festive season.

Luke wrote his account of the life of Jesus to give us confidence in him (1:4). In Chapter 2, he tells three stories about Jesus’ birth and early childhood. The response of those close to Jesus in the stories is helpful to reflect on.

A story about Jesus’ birth (vv1–20)

Jesus’ birth occurred in Bethlehem because Caesar had ordered a census, commanding each Jewish family to register in their family lines. God’s sovereignty fulfils what the prophet Micah said in the 8th century BC: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times” (Micah 5:2).

The angels announce (v7) that the baby will be found in a manger. A humble beginning for the one who is good news for all people, a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. The manger was out of place for the promise made about this child. However, it was the designated sign (v12) for a group of unlikely shepherds on the hills. The message of a Saviour, spoken by supernatural angels and confirmed by the shepherds’ investigation, was the baby boy wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

What is to the shepherds’ eternal credit is that they checked out what the angel had said to them, and they did it without delay (v15). The Word of God was remarkable, but they accepted it to the point of investigation, and found that “all the things they had heard and seen… were just as they had been told” (v20).

The same attitude of investigation and exploration of the Word of God is essential for us. Do not be afraid to explore, ask questions of and discuss the Scriptures. The shepherds’ response to the surprising message of the Saviour’s birth proved to be true and the sign was just as they had been told. We can be confident that God’s Word is true and will lead us to find the Saviour of the world.

A story about Jesus’ arrival (vv21–40)

Eight days after his birth in Bethlehem, Jesus is presented for circumcision and given his name. Then after a further 30 days, he is taken to Jerusalem and presented at the temple, because Mary and Joseph’s firstborn son belonged to the Lord.

There is further confirmation of who Jesus is when two old and godly people, Simeon and Anna, rooted in their deep and unwavering faith in the Scriptures and moved by the Holy Spirit, recognise him. Both confirm that the child in Mary’s arms and then held by them is the Saviour promised by God: “My eyes have seen your salvation” (v30). Simeon’s words (the Nunc dimittis) are full of faith, hope and love for God.

We can be confident that God’s Word is true and will lead us to find the Saviour of the world.

It was a long period of waiting, over 400 years of Jewish history, and things politically and in the religious world were very unpromising, as they are today. We live in times of great disturbance politically around the world and the church is under significant pressure. We too need to retain great confidence in Jesus’ coming, and in his promise to come again (John 14:3; Acts 1:11; Rev 22:20).

The example of Simeon and Anna’s faith about Jesus’ first coming – waiting and persevering when things go against us (for Anna, being a young widow must have been very tough) – is an encouragement for us to exercise a similar faith when there are delays in our prayers being answered. God has come and he will come again; his Word never fails and we can be confident of that truth and persevere.

One of the most encouraging stories in the recent history of PCI in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) is the story of faithful and godly saints in Kilkenny, who trusted in the Lord and prayed for his coming and the revival of the church in Kilkenny and Ireland. They were not disappointed. The story continues today with 59% of Bible-based evangelical churches in the ROI having been created in the last 40 years.

A story of Jesus’ identity and life’s work (vv41–51)

Joseph, Mary and the family go as usual to Jerusalem at Passover. They unknowingly return home without Jesus, and only later that day notice him missing. Their intensive and worrying search lasts a further three days until they

find him in the temple courts. The story they heard (v47) was that his answers and questions were so extraordinary that everyone there was amazed and just wanted to keep on talking. Jesus was clearly enjoying himself and was totally absorbed by the whole experience.

Luke understands the parents’ frustration with Jesus (v48) but the central point being made is the confirmation of Jesus’ identity: “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (v49). This is a remarkable statement. Jesus at the age of 12 identifies himself as the Son of God. Note the response of Mary – she treasured these things, particularly what was said about Jesus, in her heart (v19; v33; v51b). We need to do the same. The evidence demands a verdict – neutrality on the identity of Jesus is not an option.

Simeon’s words challenge Mary and us all: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too” (v34–35). The sign about which Simeon prophesies is the cross, where Mary becomes a witness.

We are also asked to place our hope in Jesus on the cross. Peter summarised it well in 1 Peter 3:18: “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God.” The cross reminds us we are unrighteous sinners and helpless, unless we receive his righteousness by coming to him who died in our place. The work of the gospel bears fruit when we hear it, retain it and allow its truth to marinate in our hearts, as Mary did.

The stories that Luke tells us about Jesus’ birth, coming, identity and purpose are stories that challenge and reveal our heart’s response towards him. It is important: that we respond as the shepherds did, with determination to check the truth of the Word of God; that we emulate Simeon and Anna’s determination to hold to the Word of God despite difficulties and delays in its fulfilment; and, like Mary, that we treasure his Word in our hearts.

Let me encourage us all to be confident in the stories of Christmas and our Saviour. Let us investigate, hold on to, rejoice in and treasure the identity of and salvation offered to us by Jesus, the Son of God.