Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. He was born like any other human. He lived within His mother’s womb for 9 long months. Mary labored to bring Him into the world. He probably cried out like all babies to the delight of His mother and father that first cry of life, telling all around He is alive and well. She probably pulled Him up to her breast to quiet Him.
But, He was no ordinary human for on this day, in the City of David, the Christ child was born.
“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” – Luke 12:12
He came to save a world. He came to deliver the lost, the lonely, the oppressed – He came as God in human form – and He came to set us free.
As Mary examined Him, I wonder what it was like to look into the eyes of God? To have those tiny hands grip her finger when she knew they had measured the depth of the sky. She must have wondered what this journey would eventually become. But for that moment, Mary was simply doing what all mothers do – she cared for her son.
Angels appeared in the night sky to shepherds in nearby fields declaring the good news.
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” – Luke 2:8-11
The shepherds found the Christ child, with Mary and Joseph, and told them about the Angel who appeared to them and the “heavenly host” which sang in sky, “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
As Mary and Joseph heard of this, I’m sure it was confirmation. Confirmation of what they knew to be true. Confirmation of the Messiah she held in her arms. Confirmation that all is well with them. Confirmation that He was exactly Who they believed Him to be.
Today, you have that assurance as well. It is the reason we celebrate. And while there will probably not appear a multitude of Angels declaring the good news in the sky above your home, we can be assured it is true. “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
The prophet Isaiah declared many, many years before Jesus Christ actually came in 9:6, “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.”
For Mary and Joseph, the prophecy, which they had heard many times, was fulfilled right before their very eyes. They had a part. They had a role. They had a purpose. And so do you…
Today, be a part of the heavenly host, spread the news, the good news, of Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord and Savior.
“Joy to the world, the Lord is come, Let earth receive her King!”
Merry Christmas!
