A Word Beyond Ourselves

Luke 2:1–20

Luke tells the story of Jesus’ birth like a wide-angle lens that slowly zooms in. It begins with the vast power of the Roman Empire and Emperor Augustus—who claimed divine status—and then narrows steadily to a vulnerable young couple, a long journey, and a newborn laid in a manger because there was no room in the inn. This movement from global power to intimate poverty reveals how God chooses to enter the world not through dominance, but through humility and closeness to human need.

Luke also contrasts two visions of power and divinity. Augustus represents control, taxation, and superiority over others, while Jesus—the true Son of God—enters fully into human flesh, born homeless and announced first to shepherds, people considered dishonorable and insignificant. The angel’s proclamation makes clear that this birth is “good news of great joy for all people,” especially those on the margins, those overlooked, suffering, or forgotten.

Finally, the sermon widens the lens again to include all humanity. “To you is born” means this child is born not only to Mary and Joseph, but to the shepherds, to strangers from afar, and to us. On this holy night, the barrier between heaven and earth feels thin, and we dare to believe that love itself has entered the world. Christmas proclaims a word beyond ourselves: God is with us, for all, and leaves no one behind.

Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.