◆“Joseph and Mary, the Magi, the Shepherds, and the Shepherds Who Stayed Behind:Each One’s Christmas” (Luke 2:8-20) December 21, 2025

Today is December 21, the Sunday closest to the day we commemorate the birth of Jesus, and so we celebrate our Christmas worship. Many people, even those who are not Christians, know that Christmas is the day when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. But Christians turn their attention to what God is speaking to us through that birth. While preparing this message in prayer, this question quietly arose within me. It was not that I had a clear interest from the beginning; rather, I feel God awakened it in me as I prepared. Believing this to be from God, I would like to share it with you today.
The Scripture reading was from the Gospel of Luke, but as you know, Matthew also records the birth of Jesus. Although we did not read Matthew today, I will refer to it as we consider the message.
The people who appear in the story of Jesus’ birth are Joseph and Mary, the Magi from the East, and the shepherds. What kind of thoughts filled their hearts as they approached the day of Jesus’ birth?

1. Joseph and Mary
   Joseph and Mary were not yet husband and wife; they were betrothed. Yet Mary was already pregnant. Though they were not married, her belly was large—something that would certainly raise suspicion among others. And it was just before the time of her delivery.
   At such a time, they were required by a decree of the Roman Empire to travel to Bethlehem—their ancestral home—for the census. From Nazareth to Bethlehem is about 115 kilometers. Walking non-stop at 4 km/h would still take nearly 30 hours. The road was rough and uneven. Mary may have ridden a donkey, and they surely had other luggage. It must have been a strenuous journey. Both were surely exhausted.
   When they finally arrived in Bethlehem, every inn was full. At last, they found a space in a stable, and Mary gave birth there.
   What must they have felt when they first set out?
   “Why now of all times? Why did this decree have to come now?”
   They may have thought that. And during the journey:
   “We are exhausted. I am worried about Mary and her heavy burden. God, why do You make us travel at such a time?”
   And then, finding no room and ending up in a stable—it would feel like one misfortune after another.
   “What is God doing?”
   Surely these questions filled their hearts. We sometimes imagine Joseph and Mary as almost sinless, and indeed in Catholic teaching Mary is believed to be without sin. But they were real human beings. Doubts, even frustration toward God, may have lived in their hearts.

2. The Magi from the East
   The Magi were Gentiles—people not welcomed in Jewish society. Moreover, they were practitioners of astrology, which was forbidden in Jewish law. They did not know exactly where they were going, yet came saying, “We saw His star and came to worship the one born king of the Jews.”
   God allowed even such people to worship Him.
   But what thoughts filled their journey?
   They likely felt excitement. Yet alongside it, surely great anxiety:
   “How will the Jews look at us?”
   “What will happen if they discover we are astrologers?”
   Their fear likely grew as they approached Judea, and even more once they entered the land.

3. The Shepherds
   The shepherds were living their ordinary daily lives. Watching sheep through the night may seem difficult, but for them it was routine. It was an ordinary, peaceful night.
   Then suddenly, something extraordinary happened.
   An angel appeared, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. They were terrified from the depths of their hearts.
   “What is happening?”
   The angel declared that the Messiah had been born in Bethlehem, the city of David. Yet the angel did not command them to go.
   We do not know how many shepherds there were, but they said to each other:
   “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” (v.15)
   Had they already decided from the beginning? Or did they discuss and struggle before deciding? In any case, their conclusion was “Let us go.”
   But did they all go? If they had, who would watch the sheep? Likely, some were chosen to go while others remained behind. It must have been so.
   Those who were sent hurried to Bethlehem. Shepherds, coming from their night watch, descending into town in haste, eyes fixed straight ahead—surely an unusual sight.
   These shepherds became the first worshipers of Jesus, the Savior sent to the world—before Peter, before John, before anyone else.

4. The Shepherds Who Stayed Behind
   What about the shepherds who stayed with the sheep? Are they not part of this story? In a way, they truly witnessed the birth of Jesus. Had they not remained, the others could not have gone.
   When the shepherds returned from seeing Jesus, they must have joyfully told the others what the angel had said and how it was fulfilled. And those who stayed behind surely rejoiced with them.

What Filled Their Hearts
Joseph and Mary faced the birth of the Savior amid questions. Perhaps even anger toward God for requiring such a journey during pregnancy.
The Magi carried expectation, but also great fear.
The shepherds experienced terror when the angel appeared, fearing they might see God face to face—and that no sinner could live after seeing Him.
Those who stayed with the sheep may also have wondered, “Is this really true?”
Thus, we see: God’s works do not arise from perfect, unshakable faith or fearless certainty.
I once read the words, “Doubt is the companion of faith.” Perhaps fear and anxiety are also companions of faith. God reveals Himself in our weakness.
Paul heard the Lord say, “My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9–10).
And so he confessed:
“Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me… For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Jesus said that faith as small as a mustard seed is enough. Jesus Himself knows our weakness.
The Letter to the Hebrews (4:15–16) says:
“We have a high priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses… Let us then approach the throne of grace with boldness.”
Let us renew our faith and, giving thanks to the Lord who knows our weaknesses, joyfully welcome the birth of Jesus Christ.

Sermon script modified based on proofreading and translation with ChatGPT.