“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:11-12 (KJV)
On most of the currently popular reality TV shows, the contestants are given a series of clues to aide them in their quest for the prize. It is natural for us to look for signs when we are searching for a particular something. We look for clues to point us in the right direction. Some clues can be strange or even bizarre, but none are as strange as the one given to the shepherds in Bethlehem.
No one would have thought of looking for a newborn child in a stable. Can anyone blame the Eastern wise men for looking at Herod’s house? That would have been the natural place to look for a newborn king. Yet, they were given a sign too. And at some point, the wise men must have ignored the sign they were given. It certainly did not lead them to the palace. As soon as they left Herod’s house, they looked up again and the star appeared. As they followed the sign, they were led to the house where the baby was.
Many thoughts race through one’s mind in consideration of searches and conquests. Every person’s ways are right in his/her own sight. No sign will be given but one: as Jonah was in the belly of the whale for three days so will the Son of Man be in the earth for three days.
As we search through the shops and sales papers for that special gift, may we not be sidetracked from the most special gift of all eternity. There are clues. The first clue is a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger somewhere in first century Bethlehem of Judea.
Dear Father, thank you for Christ our Savior. Bless all your dear children with your tender love and renew us by your grace. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today that you know the sign of Christ’s birth,