This brief article will present several aspects of providence displayed during the Christmas season (well at least they all were together about 2000 years ago). By way of reminder concerning providence in relation to the events of Christmas, "God the great Creator of all things doth uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things, from the greatest even to the least;" (Quoted from a portion of the
Westminster Confession of Faith, Ch. 5 "Providence" para. one).
Consider several events from the gospel of Luke in relation to the Christmas season (in order as they appear in the text):
1. Conception and Birth of John the Baptist (Lk 1:5-7)
"There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth"
In perfect timing as priest in the temple. Under God's direction in perfect detail. How do you explain this perfect timing?
2. Zacharias's Lot (Lk 1:9)
"According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord"
Just think anyone else could have been serving as priest, but it was Zacharias, the father of John (who would be the Messiah's fore runner). Later Zacharias will respond to the birth of his son John with what is known in Latin as the
Benedictus.
3. Conception of the Messiah (Lk 1:26-38)
"And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary"
An angel comes to an engaged couple, Joseph and Mary. A young virgin conceives miraculously by the Holy Spirit. Both parent would provide the perfect lineage needed for the Messiah to sit on "the throne of his father David (Lk 1:32). In the following context we have Mary's response commonly identified in Latin as Mary's
Magnificat.
4. The Census (Lk 2:1-6)
"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed."
Consider the exact order from the secular unbelieving government which caused Joseph and Mary to leave for Bethlehem. It could have been any other time for a census but under God's direct and man's operation, a decree went out at this exact time.
5. The Messiah's Birth (Lk 2:6-7)
" And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn"
In God's providence Mary gives birth to Jesus while in the town of Bethlehem. Housing provided for under God's supervision.
6. The Shepherds (Lk 2:8-20)
"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night"
Shepherds in the fields fulfilling their regular occupation and they are recipients of God's message to them. They could have been anywhere but these shepherds had moved their sheep to the exact location where they would be found and receive a glorious message of the Messiah's birth.
7. Simeon and Anna (Lk 2:25-38)
"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 there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity"
Both of these individuals served in a temple role at the exact time the Messiah would be brought according to Old Testament custom (2:27). As a result of this we have Simeon's response known in Latin as the
Nunc Dimittis.
The other gospels include further details not commented on here. Well at least three other details.
All these people in perfect placement for God's gift to the world in the Messiah. Hope this was a blessing on this Lord's Day morning following Christmas.
