The Meaning of Christmas
Christmas comes every year, and like clockwork, we remind ourselves of the birth of Jesus. We read the passages with our family and church. We share in songs centered around this Baby. Yet, if we are not careful, we can glimpse over these things as traditions, without ever stopping to slow down and remind ourselves of the meaning behind this holiday.
The gospel starts right on this very night. Without the miraculous, virgin birth, Jesus joins in with a long list of other false gods who all came from human origin. However, we know that Jesus is so different, and so our gospel begins with Jesus’ birth. Luke 2 begins:
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she 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.
When the decree went out, Mary and Joseph began traveling back home to Bethlehem. While on their way, Mary gave birth to Jesus. Imagine being in Mary’s position for that one night. Young, scared, alone, and giving birth to Jesus in a stable. Mary knew that God would provide for them, and she rested in the truths that were given to her by the angels when she learned of Jesus. She gave birth to God’s Son, and named him Jesus, as she was commanded. His name alone showed the belief that Mary had in God.
Luke 2 continues:
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. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
The shepherds and angels heard of the news and immediately shared with others. We can learn from this example by sharing the good news of Jesus to all who are around us. Many people go from day to day without ever hearing the Gospel truth, which started right on this night. May we challenge ourselves this week to share this wonderful news with someone around us who may not know.