I've been giving some thought to the true meaning of Christmas and it really is an amazing day that we celebrate as Christians.
Think about this; Jesus left His home in glory to willingly come to earth, He became one of us and entrusted His glorious life into the hands of those He created. In order to be our savior, He had to become one of us.
That His glorious birth would be announced by heavenly angels was to be expected, but for those angels to announce His birth to shepherds (the lowest of the low) was indeed remarkable, but also very fitting.
Everything about His birth points to the reason for His life. He is the good shepherd and we are His sheep. As the Word of God, incarnate, it wasn't just a coincidence that He was placed in a manger when He was born. When you think about the purpose of a manger, it is understandable. A manger is a place where sheep come to eat. We, as the sheep of His pasture, come to the manger to feast on the Word of God.
His birth not only drew the shepherds, those of low position, but also wise men from distant lands. His life on earth served as a bridge for all mankind and He still, today, welcomes all who seek Him into God's Kingdom.
.jpg)
A star accompanied Him into the world, shining into the darkness, just as His life on earth has done. He is the earthly reflection of God's glory, a light to the Gentiles.
"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.'
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.'
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them." Luke 2:8-18
Yes, the birth of Jesus Christ is indeed something to celebrate. The world had never experienced the God of creation becoming a part of creation and it was a monumental day. As you celebrate the birth of Christ this year, thank Him for humbling Himself, stepping down from His throne on high and becoming Emmanuel - God with us!
Think about this; Jesus left His home in glory to willingly come to earth, He became one of us and entrusted His glorious life into the hands of those He created. In order to be our savior, He had to become one of us.
That His glorious birth would be announced by heavenly angels was to be expected, but for those angels to announce His birth to shepherds (the lowest of the low) was indeed remarkable, but also very fitting.
Everything about His birth points to the reason for His life. He is the good shepherd and we are His sheep. As the Word of God, incarnate, it wasn't just a coincidence that He was placed in a manger when He was born. When you think about the purpose of a manger, it is understandable. A manger is a place where sheep come to eat. We, as the sheep of His pasture, come to the manger to feast on the Word of God.
His birth not only drew the shepherds, those of low position, but also wise men from distant lands. His life on earth served as a bridge for all mankind and He still, today, welcomes all who seek Him into God's Kingdom.
.jpg)
A star accompanied Him into the world, shining into the darkness, just as His life on earth has done. He is the earthly reflection of God's glory, a light to the Gentiles.
"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.'
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.'
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them." Luke 2:8-18
Yes, the birth of Jesus Christ is indeed something to celebrate. The world had never experienced the God of creation becoming a part of creation and it was a monumental day. As you celebrate the birth of Christ this year, thank Him for humbling Himself, stepping down from His throne on high and becoming Emmanuel - God with us!