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NOTES for Luk 2:15

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15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
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The shepherds' reaction to what they saw is the reaction of normal people who trust God. They were told that the Messiah had been born, they were told where to look for Him, and they go where they were told. The normal reaction of "simple" people. Simple not necessarily in the sense of roughness or lack of education, but in the sense of that inner wholeness which stands opposed not to roughness or ignorance, but to inner brokenness or dividedness. To what most often keeps a person from seeing and hearing God. Although the fact remains: broken, divided people inclined to endless and fruitless reflection are more readily found among the educated than among the uneducated.

If the angels had announced the Messiah's birth to leaders of the Pharisaic movement well educated in the Torah, or to teachers of the Torah, Joseph and Mary would most likely not have had guests very soon. Indeed, before going, these people would have needed to analyze everything carefully, weigh it, decide whether the vision was "correct" or "incorrect," whether it corresponded to the criteria of truth and the ideas about the Messiah accepted by learned theologians, or not... In short, learned people would not have gathered quickly to look at the Messiah. And the issue here, of course, is not education as such.

The issue is what almost always accompanies this very education in a fallen person. And the issue is not only arrogance and the peculiar snobbery characteristic of some learned people, but an inclination toward modeling and schematizing even where no schemes are suitable by definition and no models work. And not even because God and the Messiah cannot be fit into any schemes and cannot be modeled in any way, but because a person inclined to such intellectualism often begins, without noticing it himself, to model himself as well. His own life. A life out of which he tries to make a scheme instead of simply living.

And then, if a person models his own life instead of simply living it, it becomes practically impossible to get through to him. For God and for another person. In such a case the person disappears, identifying himself with his own scheme, with the model of his own existence. And one cannot communicate with a model or a scheme; here one can either fit in or leave. But God has no intention of fitting into human schemes, and neither does the Messiah. That is why God reveals important things to those who live simply, without schemes and models. That way is truer and more reliable.

Other notes

 
For Luk 2:1-20
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
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Today we celebrate a special service, the so-called Royal Hours or Hours of the Eve of the Nativity of Christ. At the Royal Hours we read several passages from the Old Testament...  Read more

Today we celebrate a special service, the so-called Royal Hours or Hours of the Eve of the Nativity of Christ. At the Royal Hours we read several passages from the Old Testament, from the Epistle to the Hebrews, and the accounts by the evangelists Matthew and Luke of the Nativity. The most important thing in this unusual service is its emphatically Paschal character. In essence, it is almost an exact copy of those Hours that are celebrated on the day of Christ's death on the Cross, on Great Friday.

The Royal Hours both of Great Friday and of the Nativity of Christ were composed by Patriarch Sophronius of Jerusalem (d. 644) in the first half of the seventh century; their deep similarity is meant to mark the beginning and completion of God's saving action — the Nativity of Christ and His sacrifice on the Cross. These events reveal to us God's design as God's saving passage through our world, which is completed in the triumph of the Cross and the Resurrection.

And about why the Nativity takes place, St. Sophronius writes this: "As one descended from the line of David, Mariam was once being registered in Bethlehem with the elder Joseph while carrying in her womb the seedless Fruit; but when the time of the Nativity came, there was no place to stay, and the cave appeared to the Queen as a beautiful palace. Thus Christ is born in order to raise up His image that had fallen before." This means that the Nativity is the beginning of the way of the Cross, and this is exactly how the Church approaches it.

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For Luk 2:1-20
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
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Each evangelist describes the Nativity of Christ in his own way, drawing attention to the events that seem most...  Read more

Each evangelist describes the Nativity of Christ in his own way, drawing attention to the events that seem most important to him. Among the events of the Nativity, Luke gives special attention to the signs God gave that pointed to Jesus as the Messiah. The first of these signs was the revelation received by shepherds who were nearby Bethlehem (v. 8). The meaning of the revelation was quite clear. The angel who appeared before the shepherds tells them directly that the Messiah awaited by the people has been born, and the rejoicing joy of heaven confirms the significance of what is happening (vv. 9-14).

It would seem that shepherds were not the most suitable people to be the first to hear the news about the Messiah who had been born. They had neither power and authority nor knowledge. If they had wanted to tell others what they had seen, they would have been believed last, if they were believed at all. At first glance it may seem that such people have little to do with the events of spiritual life, since they are not at all like the religious activists, such as the Pharisees, who were completely sure that they, of course, would meet the Messiah before anyone else.

But Christ, as can be seen, comes to everyone, not only to those who lead an intense religious life. He comes to those who are waiting for him and are ready to receive him. And this by no means always depends on a person's religious activity. Paradoxically, such activity can sometimes even get in the way. The shepherds are simple people, and their reaction to the revelation they receive is simple too: let us go and see (v. 15)! And when they came to Bethlehem and saw the infant Christ there, they simply told, as best they could, what they had seen (vv. 16-18). Then they went back, glorifying God for the birth of the promised Messiah (v. 20).

It is enough to compare this simple account, this witness, with the theological disputes that almost every word and deed of Jesus will provoke among the same Pharisees and teachers of the Torah, to understand why the revelation about the birth of the Messiah is given precisely to shepherds. Had learned rabbis been in their place, the Virgin Mary would most likely have had to wait a long time for the witness to Christ's birth that was so important to her (v. 19), for before recognizing anyone as the Messiah, the matter had to be thoroughly investigated. But God more often needs witnesses than theologians. He does not need us to analyze and evaluate his works. It is quite enough for him that others hear about them from us.

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For Luk 2:1-20
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
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For whom is the Savior born? Are you sure He is born for you? The whole world renounced Christ in advance, giving Him, the newborn Child, only a feeding trough for livestock. The first subjects of the new King turn out to be...  Read more

For whom is the Savior born? Are you sure He is born for you? The whole world renounced Christ in advance, giving Him, the newborn Child, only a feeding trough for livestock. The first subjects of the new King turn out to be simple shepherds.

But Christ is born not only for those who are ready to receive Him. The Angel proclaims unambiguously: joy will be for all people. By human reasoning, the world is always divided into good and bad, into those worthy and unworthy of salvation. But the moment heaven opens even briefly, the choir of the heavenly host is heard: Christ is for all.

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For Luk 2:1-20
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
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Nothing has begun yet. Already everything is past. From edge to edge a soft haze has veiled the light...  Read more

La Vielle de Noël

Nothing has begun yet. Already everything is past.
From edge to edge a soft haze has veiled the light.
Moisture streams from the fog - now rain, now snow.
No valleys, no mountains, no lakes, no rivers can be made out.
Silently creeping up, from edge to edge
one single haze covers every distance,
Without shape, without colors, and without bounds, a whitish veil.
Two steps away nothing can be seen, and in the thawing snow the footprint sinks
Of this unknown couple, for whom
there is no room in the inn.
On the face of the deep, darkness again, as it was
before the beginning of time.
Everything droops into the languor of nonbeing, into fog and sleep.
Like a fir beneath the snow, like a beast in its den, the will drowses, and reason is silent.
Maybe the heart of love keeps watch, yet love itself
sleeps and sleeps.
Quiet and muffled, hour after hour, the eye is fogged,
and the mind is blind -
Until sensitive midnight makes out an infant's cry.

(S. S. Averintsev, Geneva, 24.12.1994)
La Vielle de Noël - Christmas Eve (French)

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For Luk 2:1-20
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Hide
In the story of the birth of Jesus Christ in the manger, with the cave, the shepherds, and the angels, there is nothing sentimental or sweetly touching. But there is much that is majestic and solemn. We should not be embarrassed by...  Read more

In the story of the birth of Jesus Christ in the manger, with the cave, the shepherds, and the angels, there is nothing sentimental or sweetly touching. But there is much that is majestic and solemn. We should not be embarrassed by the modest setting of a village stable and the poverty of the guests: this is a true messianic feast.

Everything here points to Jesus’ distant ancestor and the most famous anointed king, that is, in Greek, Christ, David: his native city Bethlehem, the occupation of the shepherds, for David himself was a shepherd for his father, and the striking parallels with the One who will also be Shepherd for His Father. He too is born to be King, Anointed One, Christ; He too, as the “least of the brothers,” will by a miracle, by God’s power, defeat the Enemy and “remove disgrace from Israel” (compare 1 Sam. 17 or Ps. 151). The evangelist, knowing the whole subsequent story, was able to discern glory in the ordinary and poor life of a family overtaken by childbirth at night in a stable. We too know this story, but do we know how to truly see?

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