Jesus' Magnifies the Marginalized.

As we prepare for one of the most significant times of the Christian calendar in celebration of the birth of Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us, we read about all those who were made aware of the birth of this new King. He was born most unconventionally. We read of a man named Simeon, devout and given a promise that he would not die until "The Consolation of Israel arrived." The Scriptures describe him as filled with the Holy Spirit—a man of significance. In Matthew, we read of Wise Men from the East who traveled bearing gifts to offer this new King. These men encountered Herod, the King of the Jews, who anticipated this baby, but with envy and hatred. We understand the importance of these men, who, for various reasons, desired to meet this King.

While we read of them, they did not receive an invitation to see the newborn king. No, that honor was offered to a group of marginalized shepherds. While shepherds played a significant role in Israel, they were viewed as socially undesirable. Based on their occupation tending to animals God set aside as unclean, caused them to be viewed in the same light. Yet, when we read in Luke 2, these marginalized men were not only the first to see the baby Jesus; God magnified them with a personal invitation. They were sought out by God's angels, who told them where to go and whom they would find.

The passage says, "And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you this good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. 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.'" Have you ever considered that the very first notification of Jesus' birth was to those others would consider unclean? Yet, God specifically invited them to see the gift he addressed as theirs. "For there is born to you..." While others looked upon their exterior, God saw their hearts. God knew that they anticipated this day. They were part of who the Bible calls "The Remnant." While to others, they were lowly shepherds.

And as if that did not stress enough that God magnifies the marginalized, those who today are the "poor in spirit," not only was the first invitation to see Jesus as a baby to shepherds, those whose position separated them from society. The first to experience his resurrection were women. A group also considered a lesser than in position to men. We will move ahead 33 years to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

When the promise of his rising from the dead happened, it was a woman, more specifically Mary Magdalene, who was highlighted as encountering Jesus first. We know from Luke 24 that she is with a group of women, so not just one, but a few women had the privilege of being the first to see that Jesus was missing from the tomb. Mary Magdalene not only saw an empty tomb but also had the opportunity to be addressed by Jesus, her risen Lord, and speak with him.

Historically, women were not allowed to testify in court because they were deemed too emotional to be considered reliable. Luke 24:11 confirms this historical narrative, "And their words seemed to them (the disciples) like idle tales, and they did not believe them." For many reasons on the hearers' part, the women were not believed, but because the women delivered the message, it did not help. Yet, Jesus did not think their testimony would be an "idle tale" because he deliberately chose the marginalized to magnify for his glory. He would have understood how they'd be received and would have sent them anyway. He sent Mary Magdalene with joy to share the great news that he was alive.

Both groups, shepherds and women, had the privilege of spreading good news to others who would judge them before giving credence to their words. They would both deliver the most important messages in their lives, and for their own and others' lives. It was as if God knew folks would need to learn to look past the messengers to hear the message. The fact that God gave the most important messages the world would need to two marginalized groups tells us that it would not be the end of him using willing vessels for his important Kingdom work, while they remain unimpressive to the world.

That is what we can learn about those whom God wants to use: He looks for those who are waiting for him and desperate to see him. The shepherds were waiting for the promised Messiah, and Mary was desperate to see her Lord. While society would not put any significance on either group, shepherds or women, God saw them both. He gave a personal invitation to the first and sent a personal invitation through the other. While human beings categorize people in myriad ways, God sees only two: those whose hearts are towards him and those who are not. Because of this, he is willing to magnify the marginalized, using those who humbly prepare to be used. On his behalf and throughout history, they became major players to be remembered. Their significance will continue to be highlighted, because God's Word will never perish. He made sure their parts in Jesus' birth and resurrection would be shone upon for time and eternity. That blows my mind about God. It should put a bit more importance on those genealogies. People matter to God, despite their positions in society.

Don't count yourself out for God's usage. A heart that is set on Him has a part to play in God's Kingdom. Christmas is a great time for God to see and magnify you, and sending an invitation of His love to all those whom you encounter is similar work. That is precisely what the shepherds did, Luke 2:17-18, as they departed from the presence of this baby born for them, and for you and me. A right heart before the Lord will never be considered marginalized or undesirable to God.