Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Christmas is the time of year when we celebrate the birth of Christ. We spend time with family and friends as we open presents and spread holiday cheer. Christmas is also a time of year that is emotionally fragile. Many are facing financial strain, loneliness, and disappointing circumstances, trying to cope but finding little peace. Nevertheless, no matter where we fall on this spectrum, it’s important that we see the significance in the birth of Christ. It’s more than a moment to be celebrated once a year. Instead, it’s a gift that embodies one of the greatest acts of love God could ever give us.
Unto Us a Son is Given
You see, for Christ to come would also mean His eventual journey to the cross and temporary separation from His Father. Isaiah 9:6 illustrates this point as we read:
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
While the scripture starts off to our benefit… For unto us a Child is born, it quickly reminds us of the price paid when it reads… Unto us a Son is given. Christ’s birth was more than a momentary miracle; it extended to the gift of salvation that would come through Christ’s eventual sacrifice. The scriptures tell us: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) God giving us His only begotten Son, to live a life much different than originally intended, was one of the deepest expressions of love we can find in the Bible. Intentional in every way, the birth of Christ was designed to give us the ability to bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, and endure all things.
God sent His son to this Earth knowing that we would still sin and many of us would reject Him. Yet God, is His love and tender mercies, found it in His heart to show us an unfailing love, pure in intention and perfect throughout time. It is with humility and grace that I am thankful for the birth of Christ. I am thankful that we are allowed the opportunity to have Christ abide in our hearts and souls, as we find a resting place amidst the struggles of this world.
The Birth of Christ
And so Jesus was born, and placed in a manger because there was no room at the local inn. Christ’s birth was during the time of Caesar Augustus’ census; Mary and Joseph were traveling to Nazareth, as were many others. It might seem a bit perplexing, that in this situation, God didn’t make room at the inn. Instead, God allowed Jesus to be born in the humblest of settings to teach us a lesson about humility and love. Our surroundings or possessions will never define us or God’s love for us; it is who we are the matters the most. God, in His love of us, never missed an opportunity to teach us, guide us, and care for us through the life and character of Jesus Christ.
After the birth of Christ, out in the fields, an angel of the Lord appeared and said to the shepherds in Luke 2:10-11 “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” God sent those shepherds to visit Mary and Joseph, to spread good cheer and a message of hope, reaffirming with Mary and Joseph already knew – that the Son of God had entered this world to save us. Such a powerful moment was to be celebrated and remembered.
The Celebration of Christmas
So yes, Christmas is technically at the end of the calendar year, but Christmas is not a celebration of endings but one of beginnings. One act of love would have a domino effect for so many more acts of love that would spread beyond countries, languages, religions, and generations. Through Christ, we learn to comfort those in need, share in our successes, and support others through their losses.
No matter where we fall on the holiday spectrum, we must never forget, that to God we all matter. This is why the birth of Christ is a moment to be celebrated; it signified the chance for salvation for each and every one of us. Through Jesus’s birth, life, death, and resurrection, we are given the greatest assurance of hope, rooted in God. Because of this, we can stand firm in God’s promises, knowing He our prayers and sees our hearts. He is willing to bear our burdens and guide us through our trials. God’s love for us is always present, and never failing. So although Christmas may only come once a year, let’s remember to celebrate the birth of Christ continually – as He is our greatest hope. #MerryChristmas
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