The birth of Christ, one of the two greatest events of all time, was not marked by the extraordinary, except Caesar Augustus did issue “a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world,“ which necessitated everyone to go “to his own town to register.“ And Magi from the east did “see a star” in the east and traveled far to worship the “one who has been born king of the Jews.“

But most did not notice when “the word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.“

How was an inn keeper to know that the child about to be born “came from the Father, full of grace and truth”? If he had, would he have provided the one who was “with God in the beginning” a better birthplace than a stable, a better cradle than a manger? The chief priests and teachers of the law knew the prophecy, however, and exactly where the Christ would be born. I would guess indifference, not ignorance, kept them from following the Magi to Bethlehem to kneel before Immanuel.

But some experienced incarnation, and they worshipped.

No one worshipped more completely than the humble girl who “found favor with God” and became his servant, though she could not fathom how she would give birth to the “Son of the Most High.“

“How will this be,“ she asked, “since I am a virgin?“
I’m not sure the angel Gabriel cleared things up for her when he explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and the power of the Most High would overshadow her and that the child she conceived would become the “Son of God.“

But her response was one of sweet obedience and faith: “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.“

The man she was pledged to marry worshipped with the same humble obedience. When an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and told him that what was conceived of Mary was of the Holy Spirit and that this baby would be called, “Immanuel, which means God with us,“ Joseph woke up, left anxiety behind, and made Mary his wife as the angel commanded.

Their willingness and obedience was the truest expression of adoring worship.  Mary’s heart overflowed with song:  “His mercy flows in wave after wave on those who are in awe before him” (Luke 1:50, The Message).

Next week I’ll look at others who noticed.