I read a disturbing fact recently, a survey of 2,000 millennials revealed that nearly half of them had no idea who the baby in the manger was. They may have heard about Jesus, but they didn't realize that it was His birth that is celebrated at Christmas. I'm writing this blog to clear up any confusion about who was in the manger and why it's so important to celebrate His birth.
Christians around the world will be celebrating the birth of Jesus on Christmas Eve. Although the exact date of His birth is unknown, we have set aside December 25th as the day we recognize and celebrate His coming to earth. The prophets in the Old Testament foretold His coming 700 years before His birth.
Isaiah prophesied from 739 to 681 BC and told of the virgin birth and the coming king.
"Then Isaiah said, 'Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel (which means God with us)'." (Isaiah 7:13-14) He also declared, "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." (Isaiah 9:6)
Micah prophesied from 733 to 701 BC and proclaimed that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." (Micah 5:2)
As we read the account of His birth in the gospels, we are amazed at the accuracy of the prophets to predict His birth, but it's not just the prophesies that amaze us. The God who created the universe, loved us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to earth to rescue us from our sins. He came as a helpless baby so that He could totally relate to us. He wasn't born in a palace, even though He is a king. His birth wasn't announced to the religious leaders of the day, but angels told lowly shepherds about His birth. (You can read the gospel accounts of His birth in Matthew 1:18-2:23 and Luke 1:26-2:20)
All things are possible for God including a virgin birth. God's Holy Spirit impregnated Mary with God's own seed. Although it is mysterious to us, Jesus left His glorious home in heaven with the mission to save people from their sins. He became Immanuel, God with us, living on the earth that He created for us to fully know us.
When we give each other gifts, it is in remembrance of the wise men who followed a star, searched for and found the baby Jesus. They worshiped Him because they knew He was destined to be a king and they lavished their gifts on Him.
As you celebrate the birth of Christ this year, remember the words of the angels to the shepherds, "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." (Luke 2:10-12)
Christians around the world will be celebrating the birth of Jesus on Christmas Eve. Although the exact date of His birth is unknown, we have set aside December 25th as the day we recognize and celebrate His coming to earth. The prophets in the Old Testament foretold His coming 700 years before His birth.
Isaiah prophesied from 739 to 681 BC and told of the virgin birth and the coming king."Then Isaiah said, 'Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel (which means God with us)'." (Isaiah 7:13-14) He also declared, "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." (Isaiah 9:6)
Micah prophesied from 733 to 701 BC and proclaimed that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." (Micah 5:2)
As we read the account of His birth in the gospels, we are amazed at the accuracy of the prophets to predict His birth, but it's not just the prophesies that amaze us. The God who created the universe, loved us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to earth to rescue us from our sins. He came as a helpless baby so that He could totally relate to us. He wasn't born in a palace, even though He is a king. His birth wasn't announced to the religious leaders of the day, but angels told lowly shepherds about His birth. (You can read the gospel accounts of His birth in Matthew 1:18-2:23 and Luke 1:26-2:20)
All things are possible for God including a virgin birth. God's Holy Spirit impregnated Mary with God's own seed. Although it is mysterious to us, Jesus left His glorious home in heaven with the mission to save people from their sins. He became Immanuel, God with us, living on the earth that He created for us to fully know us.
When we give each other gifts, it is in remembrance of the wise men who followed a star, searched for and found the baby Jesus. They worshiped Him because they knew He was destined to be a king and they lavished their gifts on Him.
As you celebrate the birth of Christ this year, remember the words of the angels to the shepherds, "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." (Luke 2:10-12)
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