This is the Way it Happened

          Reporters used to “report” the news. That is probably why they were called “reporters.” There is a difference in what we hear on the news channels today as most of the speakers are really commentators and not reporters. They give their interpretation of what took place. We sometimes find ourselves wondering what took place and finally someone with authority and knowledge of the issue steps forward and says, “This is what happened, folks.” Now, we are in the loop and know what took place. Matthew 1:18 says, “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.”

          The little phrase, “...on this wise” is the result of someone with authority and knowledge telling us what took place at the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ. Sometimes the same phrase is worded, “it happened this way.” We know that such an important event is going to have a report somewhere and the Bible tells us just went on that night in Bethlehem. A star appeared, Wise men set out to follow the star, shepherds got a big surprise in the field that night. Mary found herself with child, The angelic message was given to Joseph and Mary. Two people, both of the lineage of King David were brought divinely together for one of the greatest events in the history of mankind. Prophecies were fulfilled that night in such a remarkable way that the world still stand in amazement. It is no wonder that Matthew makes the statement through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise.” In other words, “This is the way it happened folks.” Right away there are those who say, “I just can't believe it.” Sure, it is almost unbelievable when one thinks of the virgin birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is something that is beyond our comprehension but nonetheless, God said, “This is the way it happened.” Then it goes on to give us the timeline an some of the important events that took place from the announcement and the next nine months. Even the forerunner, John the Baptist, was already prepared as Elizabeth was pregnant by three months. It was an important event. It was so important that we world decided to call every date after that, “anno domini,” the year of our Lord. It has just been recently that those who are offended by such a statement have changed it to “CE” or “common era. God had already said, “This is what happened.” and so we read the account. God made it clear as to what took place and that alone gives us confidence in what He has said about our search for meaning in this life. For the most part, people long for peace, joy, love and hope but come up empty handed when searching for it in the things of the world. The Lord Jesus Christ is the One Who gives us the example of love as seen in John 13 and the peace we long for is seen in John 14. The Joy is found in the Lord Jesus Christ as seen in the book of Philippians and hope is in Christ as we see in Hebrews 11. What does this all do for us today? Well, it tells us that since the first advent took place, the second advent will happen also. We may not understand how it will all come to pass, but God knows the how, the when, and the where it will all happen. The clock is ticking and every moment is one moment closer to the second advent of Christ and there is no stopping the clock and saying, “Wait a minute. I am not ready.” First Thessalonians has already given us the description of the even in 4:13-18. Just as God said so many years ago, “This is the way it happened” so He has said in the New Testament, “This is the way it is going to happen.” Praise God for the First Advent of Christ as we look for ward to the Second Advent also.