The Sign of a Promise

“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:11-12).

From the words of the ancient prophets it seemed reasonable to conclude that the coming Messiah would be a warring champion, a military leader executing justice and ushering in a powerful kingdom. The underdog nation of Israel could rally around the idea of a conquering king bringing them to prominence and respectability after years of domination by foreign forces. Not since King David had they felt that they were a force to be reckoned with among their neighboring nations. Surely the Son of David would bring them back to power!

Modern zealots saw the promise of Messiah as the catalyst of political anarchy. Surely he would come and lead them to victory by overthrowing the Romans and again establishing the nation of Israel. They longed for the day!

When the prophetic star shone brightly over the transients in Bethlehem it was the sign for some that the time had come. Truly something of momentous importance was happening here in their time. Rather than the arrival of a powerful king, they witnessed the weakness of a newborn child. It was hardly the military leader they expected.

There was no gleaming armor, no great armies with pointed spears, no banners or fanfare, just hay and cattle and quiet peace surrounding the poor parents and infant newborn. Shepherds came and worshiped, still in awe over the heavenly visitation. “This will be the sign to you,” the angel had told them. “Look for a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” It was a sign of the promise. The deliverer is born. The power and prominence are yet to come.

He came in an out-of-the-way place and in a humble setting. Wise men came and adored the child and wondered at the prophecies. Herod feared the rumors of a new born king and plotted his destruction. Yet nothing could stop the promise. The sign was born, the promise had come, the King will be seen in His time!

We rejoice in the sign. We experience His peace. We believe in the hope!