The eve of Christmas was the night before everything would change for mankind. That night Mary and Joseph would be traveling to pay their taxes in Bethlehem. This would have been a journey that took a week to 10 days. The direct route between Nazareth and Bethlehem was about 70 miles but this route would have included the land of Samaria. While Mary and Joseph would have had no hostility toward the Samaritans, there was much hatred from the Jews toward the Samaritans. Therefore, it would have been necessary for safety’s sake to go a route around this territory. This would have added many miles to the journey. It would also have been a rugged terrain, especially for one who was within a few days of giving birth. I’m sure Mary’s physical state would also have slowed them down. This eve of Christmas would have been near the end of an exhausting trip.
Luke 2:3-5 “And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city. 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.”
On this eve of Christmas the Shepherds, who later saw and received directions to the child from the angels, would have been tending sheep as normal. They would have gathered their sheep into a fence made of rocks with one entrance. This would protect the sheep from wild animals while the shepherds slept at the gate. These shepherds had no idea everything was about to change until the next night when the angels announced the birth of the Messiah.
Luke 2:10-11 “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 Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”
These shepherds heard the good news and quickly went to meet this baby, the Christ child. There was no hesitation, fear, or excuses made by the shepherds. They quickly wanted to find Jesus! What a lesson for us all to seek Him quickly and fervently. We need to listen and obey.
Luke 2:15 “And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing, which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.”
The shepherds give us another example of how we should respond to time with our Savior. They left rejoicing and praising Him. They did not leave the same way they came. I can only imagine the talk as they returned to the fields to tend their sheep. How does meeting with God, and attending worship services affect you?
Luke 2:20 “And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”
This eve of Christmas wouldn’t have meant much at all to Simeon and Anna. Somehow the news had escaped them. They were serving in the temple. Simeon had asked God to let him live until he could see the Messiah. Now, eight days later His parents would bring Him to the temple to be circumcised just as any other Jewish family would do.
Luke 2:25-29 “And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:”
Anna was also in the temple serving and waiting for the Messiah. She had been a widow for 84 years. During this time, she served God in the temple. Luke tells us she did not leave the temple, meaning she was always present for worship and serving in any way possible, but her main objective was fasting and praying. No doubt she was praying for the coming of the Messiah. Now, after all these years her prayers were answered.
Luke 2:37-38 “And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.”
This eve of Christmas would usher in the coming of the Messiah. This Messiah would live and die to free us from the penalty of our sins if we would receive Him. This Messiah would change the way we worship and free us from the ceremonial rituals that kept pushing our sins forward until He came. This Christmas Eve would usher in hope, mercy, and grace. I can hear the stories of each participant as they sit by the fire each Christmas Eve recalling the events of the first Christmas. It would have been very special to listen to them as they talked of how they would celebrate the next day, the birth of our Savior.
What will you do this eve of Christmas? I hope you will spend time with your children reading the true Christmas story of the birth of Christ. I hope you will tell them we give gifts to commemorate the greatest gift ever given. This Christmas Eve take time to reflect and worship Jesus who will come again but not as a babe, but as the King of all Kings forevermore!
