And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11)
As we move through this Christmas holiday season, too often caught up a hectic focus on gift shopping, decorations, parties, and travel, it helps to remember the original meaning of “holiday” was “holy day” – time set apart to focus on God.
The Christmas story of Jesus’ birth provides a wonderful revelation of God’s goodness and love, and many of us may not realize the Bible provides five interrelated Christmas stories. In reading all five, we can see just how holy this birth is.
Our first story is the one known best: Luke 2:1-20, with its description of the journey to Bethlehem, the shepherds and angels, and the baby in a manger. As a Gentile physician, Luke had more interaction with women than most men in that culture. During his investigation into Jesus, it is clear he personally interviewed Mary and shares her perspective. Only she could have told Luke about her pre-pregnancy visit from the angel Gabriel, and only she could share how, after hearing about the angels from the shepherds, she treasured and pondered it all in her heart. (Luke 2:19)
As you read Luke 1 and 2, note the contrast between the conceptions and births of John the Baptist and Jesus, which show John as a great prophet-to-be but Jesus as so much more. Reflect anew on the presence of both humble shepherds and majestic angels, and how they laid the child we will call the Bread of Life in a food trough in Bethlehem, which means “House of Bread.” (John 6:35) When Luke explains there was no room in the inn, remember how the resurrected Jesus later tells the church He is knocking at the door for them to let Him come in. (Revelation 3:20)
Especially embrace what Luke writes about this baby’s identity: a Savior, Christ/Messiah the Lord. His virgin mother conceived through the Holy Spirit – not the son of Joseph but the Son of God. (Luke 1:34-35, 3:38)
Our second Christmas story is from Matthew, a former Jewish tax collector estranged from his people who now honors their patriarchal views by focusing on Joseph. (Matthew 1:18-2:12) In describing Joseph’s angelic dream, Matthew affirms the God-given name of Jesus and His conception through the Holy Spirit. As he does throughout his Gospel, Matthew reminds his Jewish readers of Old Testament prophesy – a virgin giving birth to a child named Emmanuel (“God with us” – Isaiah 7:14). To make sure his readers understand, Matthew explains how Joseph refrains from physical intimacy with Mary until after Jesus is born, and in his genealogy of Jesus, calls Joseph the husband of Mary. (1:16, 25)
Matthew also tells us of the Magi: an unknown number of highly educated, wealthy men from the Persian Empire who were so politically powerful some called them “kingmakers.”
These magi had studied the teachings of their magi predecessor from 500 years earlier, Daniel aka Belteshazzar, who we know biblically as the Jewish prophet exiled to the Babylonian, Mede, and Persian empires. As Daniel-guided astrologers they recognized the star signifying birth of the King of the Jews. With their entourage of servants and guards, they “travelled afar” to worship Him and prophetically offer three gifts: gold for a king, frankincense for a high priest, and myrrh – an ointment used to anoint one who dies. (Exodus 30:34; John 19:39)
Enjoy the supernaturality of a star that leads them to a specific home. Recognize, despite our traditional nativity scenes, Jesus’ family had moved from the stable before the magi arrived. Know through the magi’s presence that Jesus came for everyone.
Our third Christmas story is John 1:1-18, where we learn our Lord Jesus lived before His birth in Bethlehem, and is not only the Son of God but God the Son. The Word through whom all things were created – the Word who was with God and was God – became a human child so we humans could become children of God. (vs. 12-13)
Our fourth Christmas story also tells us that God the Son came down and why He came – to die on a cross for us. (Philippians 2:1-11) Because of His sacrificial obedience, this God-given name of Yeshua/Jesus is and forever will be the name above every name.
Finally, our fifth Christmas story, told 700 years before the birth in Bethlehem, names this child not just Jesus but as an incredible revelation of the Holy Trinity: one “Mighty God” in the persons of the “Prince of Peace”, the “Everlasting Father”, and the “Wonderful Counselor” we call Holy Spirit. (Isaiah 9:6, 11:2; John 14:26) Emmanuel!
What could be more holy than that?
Have a joyful and holy Christmas! God loves us all so much.