A God Who Loves Us
I am excited to share with you the Christmas story. We hear many things about Christmas, but this year, I thought we could go straight to the source and read the story together.
Christmas is really about a God who loves us. He loves us deeply, has a plan for our lives, and created the universe, the Earth, and each one of us. We were created in His image, but we messed it up through sin. From the very beginning, even in the Garden of Eden, mankind fell. Yet, the God who made us immediately began His plan to redeem us. He had a solution for the sin that separated us from Him: His Son.
God’s Plan Through Jesus
Jesus, who was with God in heaven, volunteered to come to Earth. Father God sent His Son to redeem humanity and restore our relationship with Him. This plan was foretold over thousands of years, from the Book of Genesis to the birth of Jesus.
Christmas is the manifestation of God’s redemptive plan here on Earth. For mankind to be forgiven and redeemed, there had to be a sinless person—a holy man—who never sinned. Among all the people on Earth, there was no one who fit the requirement until Jesus was born. He lived a sinless life, and through Him, we can be redeemed if we accept Him as Lord of our lives.
The Angel Gabriel Visits Mary
The Christmas story begins in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 1. The angel Gabriel, who stands in God’s presence, was sent to Nazareth in Galilee to a young virgin named Mary, pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel greeted Mary, saying, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Mary was troubled by the angel’s words, but Gabriel reassured her, saying, “Do not be afraid, Mary. You have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; His Kingdom will never end.”
Mary’s Faithful Response
Mary asked, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
Gabriel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.”
Mary, full of faith, responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”
Mary Visits Elizabeth
Later, Mary visited her relative Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, her baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She exclaimed, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!”
As Mary stayed with Elizabeth, she sang a song of praise, glorifying God for His greatness and mercy.
The Birth of Jesus
In Luke Chapter 2, we read about the birth of Jesus. Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem, the town of David, to register for a census. While they were there, the time came for Mary to give birth. Jesus was born in a stable and laid in a manger because there was no room for them elsewhere.
Nearby, shepherds were watching their flocks when an angel appeared to them, proclaiming, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly, a multitude of angels appeared, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on Earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.”
The Shepherds Visit Jesus
The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby, just as the angel had said. They glorified and praised God, sharing all they had seen and heard.
On the eighth day, the child was circumcised and named Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived.
Jesus: Born to Save
But Jesus did not remain a baby in a manger. He grew up, lived a sinless life, and willingly laid down His life for us on the cross. He was born to die, fulfilling God’s plan of redemption.
Three days after His death, Jesus rose from the grave, conquering sin and death. Today, He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, seated at the right hand of God.
Accepting God’s Gift
If you believe in Jesus and accept Him as your Lord and Savior, you can be forgiven and have eternal life with God. If you’d like to make that decision, simply pray:
“Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God. I believe You lived a sinless life and died for my sins. I confess that I am a sinner and ask for Your forgiveness. I accept You as the Lord of my life. Wash me, cleanse me, and make me new.”
If you prayed that prayer and meant it in your heart, welcome to the family of God! Heaven is celebrating your decision.
Learn more about how you can Know God!
The True Meaning of Christmas
Christmas is about God’s love and His incredible gift to us—Jesus. May you and your family have a blessed and joyful Christmas.
God bless.