The world waited impatiently for news of his birth as 25,000 well-wishers gathered in the streets in front of St. Mary's hospital in Paddington, England. On July 22, 2013 at 4:24 p.m. social media sites lit up with the news. A royal baby boy was born to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. A gold and wooden easel was publicly displayed on the steps of Buckingham Palace announcing news shortly after the future king arrived. You can watch the official birth announcement here.
British news agencies reported some surprising economics around the birth. Great Britain would enjoy an estimated $376 million boost to their economy. The British people would spend more than $134 million celebrating the birth of His Royal Highness, Prince George Alexander Louis. $123 million was spent on souvenirs and commemorative items and $117 million spent on royal baby-related books, newspapers and DVDs. The royal baby's estimated inheritance is $1 billion.
In those days, Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. Everyone traveled to their own town to register. So Joseph went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of King David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Shepherds received the birth announcement from an angel. A great company of heavenly host suddenly appeared, praising God. The shepherds rushed to Bethlehem. They found Mary, Joseph and the baby. The shepherds spread the news and all who heard it were amazed at what they heard. On the eighth day, at his circumcision, the baby was named Jesus. (selections from Luke 2)
Two kingdoms collide in cosmic wonder. Isaiah prophesied God would create a new heaven and new earth. The book of Revelation describes the consummation in which Isaiah's vision is fulfilled. Creation is renewed, death and suffering are eliminated and God dwells with humanity. This new birth initiates a new creation, new community and a new identity. The kingdom of God is come with a new language to explain what God has done to unite humanity into a single people who worship him. A new creation community is brought into existence revealing the Kingdom of God.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. -Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV
-Pastor Jen