Reactions to the New Baby

People react in a lot of different ways to the announcement of an unexpected pregnancy and to the subsequent birth of the baby. It was the same when Jesus was born.

Joseph’s initial reaction to Mary’s announcement was of betrayal and hurt. He assumed he knew what had happened, but when he learned the truth, he obeyed God’s words to him. “Obedience is wisdom” he said.

Mary had to deal with suspicion and rejection but came to realize that “nothing is impossible with God.”

The simple shepherds were “blown away” by the announcement but when they saw for themselves, they couldn’t keep the news to themselves.

The wise men saw the signs and acted on them – they enjoyed that personal encounter with the Lord of glory.

Herod’s reaction was one of anger and of hostility – there are still many like him today!

The religious authorities were “too busy” with what they were doing to check things out for themselves – even though they were supposed to be the ones waiting for the Messiah to come.

Into which category do we fit when we consider the birth of Jesus, the Saviour of the world?