At this time of the year, Christians will once again celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a very special occasion, and the Bible tells us what we need to know about this spectacular event; unlike anything else.
The prophet Isaiah predicted “The First Advent” of Christ in this way. In pointing to Jesus Christ, the prophet writes: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). Of course, the virgin was Mary the mother of Jesus. The name Immanuel, means God-with-us. Isaiah also writes: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given” (Isaiah 9:6).
Matthew’s gospel tells us more about the birth of Jesus, and includes His purpose for being born: “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
Matthew also quotes Isaiah’s prophecy on the subject by saying: “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us)” (Matthew 1:22,23).
And then there came the angelic announcement of Jesus’ birth. The Bible says Mary “gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7).
“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of 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 2:8-11).
William MacDonald writes: “The Angels and the Shepherds. The first intimation of this unique birth was not given to the religious leaders in Jerusalem, but to contemplative shepherds on Judean hillsides, humble men who were faithful at their regular work.
“An angel of the Lord came to the shepherds and a bright, glorious light shone all around them. As they recoiled in terror, the angel comforted them and broke the news. It was good tidings of great joy for all the people. That very day, in nearby Bethlehem, a Baby had been born. This baby was a Savior who is Christ the Lord! Here we have a theology in miniature. First, He is a Savior, which is expressed in His name, Jesus. Then He is Christ, the Anointed of God, the Messiah of Israel. Finally, He is the Lord, God manifest in the flesh” (Believer’s Bible Commentary, pg. 1374 Thomas Nelson Publishers).
Why do Christians worldwide celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ every year; one might ask.
The reason is that God is holy and man is sinful. Without exception, the Bible declares, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Therefore, reconciliation is absolutely essential for man to be at peace with God. Jesus is the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
The Bible also says: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). To save sinners is absolutely noteworthy, because ”None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. (Romans 3:10,11).
The fact that none is righteous, and no one seeks for God means we are all sinners. And this goes back to the point of conception in our mother’s womb. The Bible says: “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me” (Psalm 51:5).
What is sin? “Sin is any thought, word, or deed that falls short of God’s standard of holiness and perfection. It is a missing of the mark, a coming short of the target” (William MacDonald).
Man commits sin because he is a sinner; hopelessly lost, and not in a position to save himself in order to be right with God. Therefore, he needs Jesus the Savior whose substitutionary death on the Cross provides forgiveness for all his sins. And is the only way he can get to heaven.
The Bible further states: “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4).
Take note, it was for our sins Christ died, and not for His own sins because He had none. “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:5,6).
Christ lived a perfect and exemplary human life for 33-1/2 years while on earth. He always did the things that pleased His Father (John 8:29). He also healed the sick, raised the dead back to life, gave sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, speech to the dumb, and other great miracles.
After His death and glorious resurrection, Christ ascended into heaven and He is now seated at the right hand of His Father (Hebrews 10:12); until the day of His “Second Advent” when He returns to take His saints to heaven (John 14:3).
The coming of Jesus Christ into the world means life, hope, and forgiveness of sins past, present, and future. Let not this truth be lost in the tinsel, toys, sleigh bells, and gifts.