The Birth of Jesus Christ, the Breaking of Silence

Luke 2:8-14 - “And in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Many theologians believe that between the Old and New Testaments, there existed approximately 400 years called the Intertestamental Period. During this time, God did not send any prophets to the people, and it was a period of relative silence in terms of divine revelation. Even though some Apocryphal books were written during this era, they were not recognized as Canonical books by the Jews or the Apostles.

This historical gap is known as the "400 silent years" between the Old and New Testaments, during which no new books were added to the canon of the Bible. Various theories have been proposed to explain this period of silence. One commonly held belief is that God imposed this silence as a punishment on the Jewish people for their disobedience and immoral behavior. This period has been the subject of much scholarly debate and speculation over the centuries.

Their rebellion and disobedience to God's Word had greatly displeased the Lord. However, it would be inaccurate to say that God remained silent and uninvolved. To make such a claim would imply that God was being petty and unwilling to forgive, which was not the case.

Today, some believe we are experiencing another period of silence from God. According to them, this is happening because God has allowed wickedness to flourish and allowed ungodly people to take charge. Some believe that God is punishing us with His silence once again.

The concept that God is silent and punishes us through silence is not true. Instead, He rebukes us through His Word. It is important to understand that God is always working and orchestrating a master plan to redeem humanity from the devastating effects of sin. This plan is all-encompassing and includes every aspect of our lives. 

Therefore, we can rest assured that God is in control and will guide us through life's challenges. He has promised that He will always be with us. His plan and timing are always perfect, and He brings everything to pass.

Between the Old Testament and the New Testament, God was orchestrating the perfect moment for His Son to enter the world and save humanity. The plan was meticulously crafted and executed to ensure that everything was in place for the arrival of the Messiah. Through divine intervention and human history, God fulfilled His promise to redeem mankind from sin and reconcile us to Himself.

Four major empires ruled during these 400 years. They were Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. God used each of these empires to prepare for the coming of the King of Kings. During Babylon's reign, two significant developments allowed for "easier" access to God: the Synagogues and Scribes.  

The Synagogues allowed people to worship locally rather than travel to Jerusalem. Jesus and the Apostle Paul often taught at these local synagogues.   

The Scribes copied and shared the scriptures. No longer did people rely on traditions. People could now study the Scripture themselves. Since they could not depend anymore on godly prophets to bring to them the word of God, they began to exercise their faith in studying the Scriptures. 

It was during the reign of the Medo-Persia that the exiled Jews were allowed to return to Jerusalem. This empire supported the rebuilding of the Temple and the Jerusalem Wall. This restored to the people the center of worship. 

Many things emerged from the Greek Empire, and one of the most significant aspects was using a "common language.” Many Jews adopted the Greek language and cultural way of living. Thus, the Old Testament was translated into Greek and allowed God’s Word to cross cultural borders.  

Rome, the military powerhouse, allowed for self-government with a governor. By building roads and bridges, Rome brought about and opened major trade routes, allowing the Gospel through God-called preachers to spread the gospel after the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

It was God who used these pagan empires. These empires that God's people distrusted and even despised. These empires ruled when they thought God was absent. These empires where the people wondered if God abandoned them. 

 These empires developed local worship, access to scripture, a rebuilding of a people, a common language, and a significant road system that allowed for the Good News of Jesus Christ to reach the ends of the earth.  

At the proper time, as described in Galatians 4:4 - “But when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,”

Though we may sometimes feel like God is absent in this world filled with pride, chaos, and corruption, it's important to remember that throughout history, God has been working on His master plan. Even if we don't understand or feel His presence, we can believe that God is always aware and His plan is unfolding. In His time, we will see that all along, He has been actively working to help and bless us. 

Psalm 46:10 - “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Revelation 1:8 - “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”