In his portrayal of the Bethlehem nativity scene, Rembrandt focused attention entirely on the Babe in the manger. He did this by painting a shaft of light so that it falls exclusively on the Christ-child. Although he included other figures, they are shrouded in shadows. Rembrandt wanted nothing to detract from the significance of that baby. The Christ-child in the stable was no ordinary baby. He was the Word who “became flesh and dwelt among us,” (John 1:14) in whom “dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” (Colossians 2:9) He was the Savior of the world. For that reason, Rembrandt wanted the Lord Jesus to be the sole object of our attention and adoration.
In their gospels, Matthew and Luke give us a similar picture of Jesus’ birth and the events surrounding it. The Savior is the focus entirely of everyone’s attention and adoration.
- The Bethlehem shepherds, who first heard the joyful message, looked upon the baby Jesus and returned “glorifying and praising God.” (Luke 2:20)
- The devout Simeon, taking the infant into his arms, referred to Him as a “light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of … Israel.” (Luke 2:32)
- The prophetess Anna “spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:38)
- The Wisemen, who came later, said, “… we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” (Matthew 2:2)
The glitter of bright decorations, the sound of joyous Christmas carols, the happy children, and the cheerful “Merry Christmas” greetings sometimes give the impression that everyone’s attention is focused on the Savior, that everybody is glad that Jesus came to our planet. But that isn’t true today, and unfortunately, it never has been.
The news of Jesus’ birth in Judea evoked a mixed reaction. Yes, angels brought “good tidings of great joy.” But Herod was so troubled when he heard about it that he tried to destroy the baby Jesus. And the religious leaders of that day were indifferent. They sent no delegation to Bethlehem to find out what had happened.
Thousands of Christians today honor Jesus and rejoice in their salvation. But many others hate Him. They make efforts to outlaw the singing of Christmas carols in shopping malls and the display of nativity scenes in public places. Most people, like the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, are just plain apathetic. They go along with the celebration of the season. They decorate Christmas trees. They bake Christmas cookies. They purchase Christmas gifts. They even join in singing Christmas carols. But they never take the time to ask themselves who Jesus really is and why did He come.
Don’t be among the indifferent. Keep your focus solely on our Savior. Be sure to prepare your hearts for the true Christmas celebration by worshiping at our special midweek Advent services. Take time each day to read through and meditate on the Advent devotional booklets that are provided free for you here at Saint John’s. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus this month, there is but only one fitting response: Come let us praise and adore Him, Jesus Christ the Lord!
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