What began as any ordinary night long ago easily became one of the most frightening for a group of shepherds watching their flock. They should have fainted when an angel clothed in light appeared right in front of them, but there is no such account. The celestial visitor cheerfully announced that a Savior was born that day in the City of David!

He added, “And this will be the sign to you: You will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12).

The vision grew even more spectacular: “Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’” (Luke 2:13-15).

When the angels went away up into the heavens, the curious shepherds hastened to Bethlehem. No random, insignificant event would cause shepherds to walk off their jobs (leaving their valuable sheep alone). They were driven by curiosity to see, for themselves, this baby “lying in a manger.”

Over in Bethlehem, Mary’s baby was born with perfect timing. She had believed the prophetic word given to her by Gabriel, the angel. God had chosen her. From a virgin and “low estate…handmaiden” to the mother of the Son of God and future King of her people (Luke 1:48).

It was wonderful to be honored in this way, but her life was immediately endangered. She had not considered the penalty for an out-of-wedlock pregnancy: death by stoning!

Even her betrothed, Joseph, did not buy her story. But God intervened. He assured Joseph, through a dream, the baby was truly God’s doing.

Things still did not go as Mary expected. First, she and Joseph had to make an arduous journey of 80 miles (129 kilometers) from Nazareth to Bethlehem for a census. When they arrived in Bethlehem, exhausted and aching, there was nowhere to stay except a stable!

Mary trusted God and did not complain, but she had to wonder, How could the King and Savior of Israel have a manger for a crib?

Just then, some agitated shepherds arrived, delivering the most fascinating breaking eyewitness news anyone had heard in hundreds of years! They became overnight sensations (bona fide evangelists) as they excitedly shared their story with everyone.

When they mentioned the “sign” they sought was a baby “lying in a manger,” I can only imagine how Mary’s eyes widened and her face lit up and reassurance soundlessly flooded her being.

The stable was not an unforeseen inconvenience, after all; God was in full control! Luke 2:19 states, “But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

God places “signs” to let us know that He cares about the things that concern us, if we take notice!

After Jesus was born, the family made the six-mile (9.6-kilometer) journey to Jerusalem twice. First for Jesus’ circumcision at eight days of age, and the second after Mary’s 40-day purification. According to the Law, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord” (Luke 2:23).

As they gave their sacrificial offering (two turtledoves or two pigeons) to redeem their firstborn son, they were unaware of other unfolding events.

God told an elder named Simeon he would not die until he saw the Christ. Despite the heavy foot traffic at the Temple, by coincidence, Simeon arrived there at the very same time as Mary and Joseph. As soon as he laid eyes on the baby, he just knew “by the Spirit,” this was the Christ. Joseph and Mary “marveled” at the blessing Simeon spoke (v. 33).

Just a short time later, Anna, the prophetess also “found” baby Jesus. “She gave thanks to the Lord and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (vs. 38).

God does not always tell us when to expect “signs.” He sends them periodically to remind us of His promises and to assure us we are in the right place at the right time! (end of excerpt) ^©

¹Robinson, J. (2019). Parables, dreams & encounters: Understanding God’s language and symbols for your discernment, deliverance and destiny. Author.