Christmas is more than lights and gifts. It’s the celebration of God entering the world in the person of Jesus Christ — the Savior promised long ago. The story in Luke 2 tells of His humble birth, the angel’s announcement, and the joy of those who first saw Him. Take a few minutes to read and reflect on this good news.
Luke 2:1 - 20
1Now it happened in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled.
2This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3All went to enroll themselves, everyone to his own city.
4Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David;
5to enroll himself with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him as wife, being pregnant.
6It happened, while they were there, that the day had come that she should give birth.
7She brought forth her firstborn son, and she wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.
9Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
10The angel said to them, "Don't be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people.
11For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough."
13Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God, and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men."
15It happened, when the angels went away from them into the sky, that the shepherds said one to another, "Let's go to Bethlehem, now, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us."
16They came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough.
17When they saw it, they publicized widely the saying which was spoken to them about this child.
18All who heard it wondered at the things which were spoken to them by the shepherds.
19But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.
20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was told them.
Jesus’ birth fulfilled promises given hundreds of years earlier.
Isaiah 9:6 - 7
6For to us a child is born. To us a son is given; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, on the throne of David, and on his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from that time on, even forever. The zeal of Yahweh of Armies will perform this.
Luke 2:11
11For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
The right response to Christmas is worship.
John 1:14
14The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.
Christmas is the story of God with us. The Savior has come, bringing peace and joy to all who believe. May this season remind you that true hope is found in Christ alone.