Reflecting on Luke 2: The Birth of Jesus on December 2

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Luke 2

The Birth of Jesus Christ

1In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

8And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

15When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

21And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Jesus Presented at the Temple

22And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 24and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” 25Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

29“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

33And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35(and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

36And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

The Return to Nazareth

39And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.

The Boy Jesus in the Temple

41Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.

52And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

As December 2 dawns, we continue our journey through the Gospel of Luke, focusing on one of the most powerful and cherished chapters in Scripture: Luke 2. This chapter tells the story of the birth of Jesus, the arrival of the Savior, and the heavenly announcement to the shepherds.

Luke 2 is more than just the retelling of a historical event—it’s a reminder of the profound significance of God’s intervention in the world.

As you read Luke 2 today, take time to reflect on the following themes:

1. The Humble Birth of a King

In Luke 2, we encounter a scene of great contrast: the King of Kings, the Savior of the world, born not in a palace, but in a humble stable. Wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger, Jesus’ birth was a powerful statement of God's desire to identify with humanity in its lowest, most vulnerable form. This humble beginning sets the tone for Jesus’ entire life and ministry.

As you read about this humble birth, consider how it challenges the world's expectations of power, status, and success. Jesus shows us that greatness in God's kingdom looks different from what the world might define it to be.

2. The Shepherds and the Angelic Announcement

The shepherds, some of the most unlikely recipients of good news, are the first to hear the announcement of Jesus’ birth. The angel’s message in Luke 2:10-11 is one of joy and peace: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

The shepherds’ response is immediate—they leave their flocks and go to find the baby Jesus, praising and glorifying God for what they had seen and heard. Their humble position in society did not make them unworthy of this incredible news. In fact, their hearts were open to receiving it. As you read this part of the chapter, reflect on your own response to the good news of Christ. Are you ready to embrace it with joy and awe, just like the shepherds?

3. The Peace That Jesus Brings

In Luke 2:14, the angels declare, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” This message of peace is at the heart of the Christmas story. Jesus came to bring peace to a world fractured by sin and conflict. His peace is not just a temporary sense of calm, but a deep, lasting peace between God and humanity.

As you reflect on this peace, think about the areas in your own life where you need God’s peace. What does it look like to receive this peace from Jesus and extend it to others during the holiday season?

4. Simeon and Anna: Waiting with Hope

In the latter part of Luke 2, we meet Simeon and Anna—two elderly individuals who had spent their lives waiting and praying for the arrival of the Messiah. When they encounter the baby Jesus, Simeon’s words in Luke 2:29-32 reflect his joy and fulfillment: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.” Anna also gives thanks to God, speaking about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Both Simeon and Anna represent faithfulness and hope, and their stories encourage us to wait with hope for the promises of God to be fulfilled in our own lives. As you reflect on their testimony, ask yourself: What are you waiting for in God’s timing, and how can you grow in patience and trust?

5. The Child Who Will Change Everything

The final verses of Luke 2 remind us that the child born in the manger will grow up to change the world. He is the fulfillment of God's promise, the Savior of humanity, and the one who will bring light to the darkness. In verse 2:52, we are told that Jesus “grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” The story of His birth is just the beginning of the incredible work He will do throughout His life.

Today, as you read Luke 2, remember that the Christmas story is not just about a baby born in a manger—it’s the beginning of God’s plan to redeem and restore all of creation.

Conclusion

On December 2, as you read Luke 2, take time to reflect on the wonder of the Christmas story. Allow the birth of Jesus to fill your heart with awe and gratitude, and remember the peace, hope, and joy that He brings to the world. Just like the shepherds and the faithful Simeon and Anna, we are invited to experience the joy of the Savior’s arrival, knowing that He is the light in our darkness and the Prince of Peace who will never leave us.

Let this chapter lead you deeper into the Christmas story and help you embrace the true meaning of the season.