Commentary

Christmas
Luke 2:1-14

A Savior Has Been Born for Us in "the House of Bread"

Today, on this beautiful celebration of our Savior's birth, instead of a "technical" commentary, let us have a quick look at 3 details from the passage of Luke's gospel, and draw some connections from them.

(1). The angel of the Lord proclaims to the shepherds, "I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord."

The good news of great joy is that a savior has been born for all the people, for all of us, for me!

(2). The Savior is born in the city of David. This city, as well-known now, is Bethlehem. Beth-lehem, in Hebrew, means, "house of bread." It is believed to refer to "its many field." [1]

Jesus today continues to come to us every time we celebrate the Eucharist. Jesus is the bread of life. Each church, each altar, is now a Bethlehem, where the Savior comes to us.

(3). Mary and Joseph "laid Jesus in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."

Is there room for Jesus in the inn of my heart when he comes to me today, in the Word, in the Eucharist, and in his brothers and sisters?

--------------
[1] The Little Blue Book, Diocese of Saginaw, Michigan, 2009; entry for December 21, 2009.