New Testament Lesson 3: Unto You is Born...a Saviour

Today's lesson focuses on the scriptures surrounding Christ's birth and the little we know of his youth. We have probably just put away all of the Christmas decorations but I like the idea of revisiting the Christmas spirit just at that point in the New Year when we may have forgotten it.

The following video has the 3 members of the First Presidency of the Church each speaking of the Christmas story from Matthew and Luke as a story of love, as a time of remembrance, gratitude and of forgiveness, where we should seek the Christ and offer our gifts to him. As you watch the video try to focus on those things that stand out for you in your mind and in your heart.

There are a number of topics that strike a chord with me from that video segment.

1. Glad tidings of great joy...to all people (Luke 2:9-10)
2. For unto you is born...a Saviour (Luke 2:11)
3. The sign of the manger (Luke 2:12)
4. The testimony of Simeon and Anna who was over 100yrs old (Luke 2:25-38)
5. No ear may hear his coming but in the world of sin, where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in. (O Little Town of Bethlehem)
6. The wise men and the gifts we offer

Glad Tidings of Great Joy...to all people
What is the meaning and significance of this declaration?
For the Jewish people awaiting their Jewish Messiah this declaration might have come as a shock. Clearly the angel Gabriel declares this is good news for all people, not just the chosen people.
Why did the angel choose these shepherds to make his announcement? What symbolism can we see in the angel's visit to the shepherds and what did they do to deserve such an honour? (Luke 2:8)
The hills of Bethlehem were used to pasture the temple flocks. Every day, once at the beginning of the day and once at the end of the day the priest would offer a sacrificial lamb on the altar of the temple, a lamb without blemish. It is most likely that these shepherds were entrusted with safeguarding the ewes and the lambs of the temple flock. These were holy shepherds and a holy flock.

When the heavenly hosts praise God it is recorded that together they declared "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men". Why?
As people who purport to follow Christ do we consistently feel peace in our lives and good will to others or are we more often stressed, inviting drama into our lives and pointing condemning fingers at others?

For unto you is born...a Saviour
What did the people think they needed saving from? The people were looking for a mortal messiah, a warrior, a king to free them from the yoke of subjugation. Remember they have been ruled by the Babylonians, the Persians, the Greeks and now the Romans. After 400-500 years of this physical rule over them the people were focused on saving their land rather than their souls. They wanted a king who would fight their rulers and drive them away.
Matthew and Luke both seem to emphasize 3 necessary traits that point to the true Saviour.

1. the babe is of the house of David and thus royalty -  a true King
2. the babe is divine and will be capable of redeeming the world - truly the living son of a God
3. the babe is holy and was prophesied and foreordained to come - the Anointed One (Christ, Messiah, the Great High Priest)

In announcing these three things to the shepherds, Gabriel is declaring fulfillment of prophecy (Luke 2:11).

The Sign of the Manger
The shepherds were told in verse 12 that the babe would be lying in a manger and that would be a sign to them. Presumably one of the reasons for them needing a sign is to identify the baby who probably looked like any other baby in Bethlehem. But what other sign might Gabriel be pointing to?
Sign of the complete condescension of God (God, creator of all born as a mere mortal and laid in the feeding trough of a sheep), sign of the sacrament ( the Great Shepherd himself laid down symbolically as food for the sheep) might be possible answers.

Simeon and Anna
Just another day in the temple.
Luke 2:25-26 What if Simeon after his many righteous and devout years just got tired and decided not to go to the temple that day? Do we ever feel tired? Do we ever feel like we earned the right to stop listening to the Lord for a day or two? Maybe this week I wont go to church. I've been good. He wont mind. It's only one week. What if Simeon had said the same thing that day? But he didn't and as a result we get to hear about one of the most personal and patient testimonies in scripture.
v.27 "He came by the Spirit into the temple".
v.29-32 Simeon was obviously aware the Saviour would be a saviour for all mankind not just the chosen people.

v.36-37 Anna was married 7 years and a widow for 84 years. Logic suggests she was over 100 yrs old on this day in the temple. She never left the temple and fasted and prayed.

These two elderly examples of righteous waiting and patient living, not only got their reward but became one of the original witnesses of the Saviour's birth. They represent all those righteous who patiently await in faith the coming of the Saviour. I love these passages. They symbolize the reward that awaits us all if we do what is right.

This video is the classical song "Nunc dimittis". It is the Latin for the first two words of Simeon's wonderful testimony in Luke 2:29 "Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace...". Here is the culmination of his life's faith.
It's a beautiful piece of music.

No ear may hear His coming...

Philip Brooks was an Episcopal clergyman of the mid-1800's who became the Bishop of Massachusetts. He remained unmarried throughout his life and was seen as a pillar of virtue and man of humility by those that knew him despite his 6'4" frame.
He originally wanted to be a teacher but at age 20 was fired and declared "I wish I were 15 yrs old again. I believe I might become a stunning man: but somehow or other I do not seem in the way to come to much now". I wonder how many others may have felt that way at some point in their lives.
When he died at just age 58 in Boston, one observer of his funeral noted, "They buried him like a king. Harvard students carried his body on their shoulders. All barriers of denominations were down. Roman Catholics and Unitarians felt that a great man had fallen in Israel."
At one point in his life he visited the Holy Land and was inspired by the view of Bethlehem from the hills of Palestine. It was there he wrote the lyrics to "O Little Town of Bethlehem".
The 3rd verse reads:
"How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts the blessing of his heaven. No ear may hear his coming but in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Lord enters in"

These people we discussed today heard the whisperings of the Spirit in their life and were blessed to witness miraculous events.
These special witnesses were only a few when compared to the rest of the world who continued to live their lives unaware of these great events. Most in Bethlehem were unaware of the significance of the babe born among them. Most did not see the star or the angel Gabriel or witness the heavenly host. Most in the temple that day probably had no idea what the fuss of two old people was over the little child.
"How silently how silently the wondrous gift is given".
Most were not looking for him, they were not listening. And yet silently, wondrously the gift is there for all who will receive it.

The Wise Men
We all know the story of the wise men recorded in Matthew, that came from the east looking for the babe that was born King of the Jews. And we all know they gave gifts of gold, frankincense and myrhh. But why did they give these gifts? Why not a child's play toy, or some clothes, maybe some cookies (ancient home-baked cookies of course)? The reason is again symbolism. Gold denoted his earthly right to be king as a descendant of David. Frankincense was used in priestly duties in the temple, in burnt offerings and in oil for anointing priests and is symbolic of his pre-ordination as the Anointed One, the Messiah, the Great High Priest. Myrrh represented his partaking of the bitter cup, the atonement, and his breaking of the bitter bands of death that only one of divine birth could do. The wise men gave wise gifts recognizing the infant child as King, Messiah and Son of God.
What gifts are we asked to give to Christ? A broken heart and a contrite spirit, service, gratitude might all be appropriate answers.

The scriptures give no indication how many wise men there were and there is also no indication from scripture that these men were royalty as has been suggested in popular modern Christian lyrics and literature.

Notice the reactions of these witnesses. The shepherds "came with haste", and then "made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child". Anna came "in that instant" and then "spake of him to all them that looked for redemption". And the wise men studied the stars and then, when they saw the sign of the star, traveled long distances and for at least many months to worship him.

Jesus' childhood.

What do we know of his childhood. We know by twelve he had become smart and wise and knowledgeable enough to teach the teachers and the learned men in the temple. How he became that way is discussed by Bruce R McConkie in his book The Mortal Messiah:

"He was as much the product of the mother who bare him as were her other children. As a babe he began to grow, normally and naturally, and there was nothing supernatural about it. He learned to crawl, to walk, to run. He spoke his first word, cut his first tooth, took his first step--the same as other children do. He learned to speak; he played with toys like those of his brothers and sisters; and he played with them and with the neighbor children. He went to sleep at night and he

awoke with the morning light...He learned to speak, to read, to write; he memorized passages of scripture, and he pondered their deep and hidden meanings. He was taught in the home by Mary, and then by Joseph, as was the custom of the day. Jewish traditions and the provisions of the Torah were discussed daily in his presence. He learned the Schema, reverenced the Mezuzah, and participated in prayers, morning, noon, and night. Beginning at five or six he went to school, and certainly continued to do so until he became a son of the law at twelve years of age...It is also apparent that Jesus learned much from nature--from observing the lilies of the field, the birds of the air, and the foxes that have holes for homes...Further: in his study, and in the learning process, he was guided from on high in a way that none other has ever been." (Bruce R, McConkie:The Mortal Messiah: 1:368-369).

The young boy was schooled by diligent, ponderous parents who were loving and obedient to the Lord. But he was also schooled by the Spirit and presumably other angelic instructors and his Father himself.

If you ever want a template of how to bring up a young man you won't find any better than Luke 2:52. I have often thought every LDS home and every young men's program in the church should be built on these four pillars.
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man"

That is a very complete upbringing.
Wisdom is not just education and learning but application and understanding of that knowledge.
Stature is the growth of your body and your character
In favour with God is spiritual growth
In favour with man is social skills and abilities, awareness and empathy.

We do not have much information on Christ as a boy or a young man but it is clear he had a complete upbringing with care and guidance from both his earthly and his divine parents.
We would not be wrong to strive for the same balance in raising our own children, and in our own lives!

New Testament Lesson 2: My Soul Doth Magnify The Lord

Have you ever prayed for something in your life and never received it or had to wait way beyond what you expected, to receive it? Have you possibly given up praying for something thinking maybe it was not the Lord's will, only to be given it at a time when you least expected it?

How did you feel after such a long time, having not received it? Did it test your patience, your faith? Did you begin to question God? What scriptural examples can we recall of such events - Lehi and family and promised land. Moses, let my people go. Joseph in Liberty Jail? Today we will study another example of patience and faith being tested, with Zacharias and Elisabeth.

Have you ever received a calling that you felt overwhelmed by or that you felt was way beyond your capacity? Did you say no? Did you accept it but with reservation and doubts? How did you respond? If you accepted it, how did you do? What scriptural examples can we recall of such events? Abraham and Isaac, Samuel in the temple, Joseph Smith? Today we will study how two young teenagers, Mary and Joseph, responded to possibly the most overwhelming calls of all.

The annunciations of Luke 1 are a story of two impossible births. A birth to a couple too old and beyond hope of new life. And a birth to a couple not yet wed.
Could it be this story also sends a message to the Jews and the Gentiles.
The Jews were the old covenant that were losing faith in ever seeing their promised Messiah and while religiously obeying their duties no longer believed maybe as resolutely in the spoken words of the prophets.
The Gentiles were not part of the promises and covenants and had no right to be expecting a Messiah and yet through their faithfulness and obedience became highly favoured of the Lord and eligible for the new covenant.
As you study this lesson, consider the symbolism that Luke may have been pointing to in the beginning of his testimony.

Zacharias
Luke 1:5-10
Elizabeth was beyond the years of child-bearing, both her and her husband Zacharias were righteous temple workers. Zacharias off fulfilling his duties at the temple. His duty is to burn the incense in the temple while the people prayed without. The incense was symbolic of prayers ascending to heaven. The Bible Dictionary teaches us that,

"Live coals were brought from the brazen altar of burnt offering and placed on the golden altar of incense; then the priest entered alone into the Holy Place, carrying in a censer the incense, which he cast on the fire. Then bowing reverently toward the Holy of Holies, he returned to the congregation, who were praying outside and pronounced the blessing in Numbers 6:24-26"

This was what Zacharias was doing when Gabriel appeared to him.

Luke 1:11-13

"Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; AND thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son"

It is commonly interpreted that the angel Gabriel is answering a prayer that Zacharias has prayed for years and had built up to in this seminal moment of personal prayer in the temple before the veil but all the evidence, including Zacharias' doubting reply, is that the angel Gabriel was indicating the temple prayer on behalf of the people was heard, Zacharias' prayer of a righteous life was answered and that it was his life's deepest desire that was answered as opposed to any specific faithful prayer he was offering in that specific temple trip. How symbolic though that it is at the altar of incense by the veil that the Lord sets in motion the events that would ultimately answer the prayers of the people and the deep desires of this righteous servant and his wife. Why would the Lord choose this setting and this time to make this announcement? What does this teach us of the manner of prayer, the power of prayer, the purpose of prayer?

v.13-17
What a great blessing! As you read the blessing pronounced by Gabriel regarding the unborn John, what stands out to you? For me, one of the amazing parts of this blessing is that Zacharias is told his son will be "filled with the Holy Ghost even from his mother's womb". Was this a gift given to him prior to baptism or just an abundance of the Spirit? I find it a fascinating blessing. What was the purpose or point of such a blessing?

v18-19
he's righteous, he's prayed for it many times before in his life, it is probably the one thing he desires most in his life and he's in the temple speaking to an angel and he asks "How will I know this is actually true!?" You might say he was dumbfounded? and so Gabriel(Noah) says "Are you kidding me? I am Gabriel, an angel sent from God's presence to answer your prayers with this good news here in the temple in front of the veil before the holy of holies and you dont believe me? You want a sign? OK sure, your sign will be becoming dumb until these prophecies are fulfilled.

v.23-24
For all his questioning, you cant fault his dedication - he heads home AFTER his duty is done and then Elisabeth conceives.

Mary
Luke 1:26-56

In the 6th month of Elisabeth' pregnancy, Gabriel visits a young virgin called Mary - you know Gabriel must be loving this role of announcing special births when compared to his mortal ministry where he had to watch so many people die. And now he announces the births of those set to bring about their salvation. God is good. Why do you think Gabriel was selected to be this messenger? What symbolism do we see here in comparison or in conjunction with his mortal ministry as Noah where he was asked to herald the world into a new era?

v28-29 she was troubled and "cast in her mind" what this greeting meant. Mary is also the one we are told later who at her son's birth and all the events surrounding it, "kept all these things and pondered them in her heart" (Luke 2:19). This appears to be a very thoughtful and careful young woman.

What blessing does Gabriel pronounce regarding Jesus prior to his birth? Luke 1:31-33. That would be very overwhelming for a young woman (similar to the calling of Samuel in the temple or Joseph in the grove of trees). Her response again shows a very studious mind. Her reply is not a doubting reply but the reply of one who wants to understand and learn. How will it happen? I am a virgin and already espoused to Joseph.

v.35 For those of like mind to Mary the answer is fairly straightforward - "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee". I still don't know what exactly that means but the conclusion is very clear, "therefore [thy son] shall be called the Son of God".

v.38 Mary is espoused to another man, this certainly means divorce and quite likely death according to the laws and how these events will be interpreted by those around her and yet her response to this is one of humble acceptance.

"Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word"

Mary offers full submission to and complete acceptance of this calling no matter the effects on her personal life. How can Mary's example help us to make better choices in fulfilling our callings in life?

39-55 can you imagine this scene - not only two mothers announcing their news but wow what news!
must have been very exciting and emotional
Note too that even in womb John was filled with the Holy Ghost. One of the roles of the Holy Ghost is to testify of Christ. Is it any wonder the unborn baby John therefore reacts in the presence of his Saviour? That must have been an amazing experience for Elisabeth.
What does it mean "my soul doth magnify the Lord?" How can we magnify the Lord?

Mary stays with them about 3 months but leaves before John is born. But now consider. She left Joseph for 3 months right at the time of conception and during that first trimester. Why?

Joseph
Matthew 1:19 he had respect for her and not going to have her stoned or publicly mocked but he was going to quietly divorce her. This must have been a very trying time in their relationship. It must have been tough for Mary and for Joseph for different reasons.
v.20 I wonder at what stage this happened? Was it after Mary returned? the text suggests it was. Certainly Joseph didn't rashly react. He was thinking on these things for a while. Jesus obviously had earthly parents who were slow to wrath and pondered and prayed.

They too are told to give the child a specific name Y'shua or in Greek (Jesus) means to save.
Joseph's reaction to his angelic visit? Obedience without question and total respect for Mary. This must have been a hard calling for Joseph. To be the adoptive father of the Son of God. To accept a child that is not yours. Yet he responded to the call.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie said:

“All the spirits of men, while yet in the Eternal Presence, developed aptitudes, talents, capacities, and abilities of every sort, kind, and degree. During the long expanse of life which then was, an infinite variety of talents and abilities came into being. As the ages rolled, no two spirits remained alike. Mozart became a musician; Einstein centered his interest in mathematics; Michelangelo turned his attention to painting. . . . Abraham and Moses and all of the prophets sought and obtained the talent for spirituality. . . .
“. . . When we pass from preexistence to mortality, we bring with us the traits and talents there developed. True, we forget what went before because we are here being tested, but the capacities and abilities that then were ours are yet resident within us. Mozart is still a musician; Einstein retains his mathematical abilities; Michelangelo his artistic talent; Abraham, Moses, and the prophets their spiritual talents and abilities. . . . And all men with their infinitely varied talents and personalities pick up the course of progression where they left it off when they left the heavenly realms.”

We all have the ability to perform our callings in life. We may have forgotten certain abilities and talents we had previously developed but the Lord our God has not. He knows us, he knows our capabilities and our strengths. It is for this reason many if not all of us were given callings in this life, duties to perform while here.
Like Zacharias and Elisabeth we must do our duty. Like Mary we must be humble and submissive. Like Joseph we must be quick to obey. We must ponder and pray.
If we do people will look at us and our lives and they will see the Lord in us. We will reflect His light. Our souls will magnify the Lord
Are we living the lives we were called to live?