Luke 2:6-7 (NLT) And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

The most incredible and miraculous night in the history of the world was the night that Jesus was born. No other event in history has changed the course of the world as this event did. Whether someone is an atheist, agnostic or even if they serve other gods (which are no gods at all), we are all living in 2019 A.D., which stands for anno domini, which means “in the year of our Lord.” Like it or not, the birth of Jesus changed the course of world history. But that’s not even the half of it. The birth of our Savior and Lord changed the course of eternity for everyone who believes! Jesus came to save all that would be saved; all that would put their trust and their hope in Him.

As awesome as this truth is, it is striking that the night that Jesus was born was so silent. There was not any fanfare or anyone celebrating except the three lowly shepherds that God revealed the news to when they were out tending their flocks. Those three made their way to the manger, but there was no one else. No dignitaries, no religious leaders, no leading men and women of Israel came to see the King of the Ages the night that He was born. But perhaps it was fitting that they didn’t come. This was an incredibly miraculous and holy event and the people that the world deems important usually have no interest in things that have to do with a holy God. They have their own agenda. Perhaps the night was too holy to invite people who were too utterly sinful and full of themselves to witness the event. It seems that the only ones that qualified to see the Baby Jesus were three men in a vocation that was looked down on by society and considered very lowly. Perhaps these lowly men had pure enough hearts to witness the greatest birth in the history of mankind.

It was a very holy night and it was surprisingly silent…on earth, that is. In heaven, the angels were rejoicing at the miracle of Jesus’ birth and because of the hope for the world that was now lying in a manger. The celebration began the moment that Jesus was born, and the three shepherds were witnesses to it as the heavenly hosts appeared to them exclaiming, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Perhaps the appropriate response to this life-altering event was silence – silent awe and wonder at the holiness of it all and the incredible hope that was now made available to all who would receive it. Glory to God in the highest heaven indeed, and on earth peace to all who receive Jesus as Savior and Lord!

Pastor Joey Vazquez