The First Christmas
1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 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. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. (Luke 2:1-20)
Today, we celebrate the birth of a Savior, our Savior! His humble birth opened the door for our forgiveness of sins and ultimately eternal life. As we share gifts, time, conversations, and food, may we keep Christ as central in our minds and hearts. The beautiful gifts, the valuable time, the sometimes silly conversations, and incredible food all pale to God’s gift to us. Jesus came, lived, died, and resurrected.
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14).
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 (Isa 9:6).
21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Cor 5:21).
Today, we also celebrate the beautiful gifts God grants us of people, opportunity, and life. We enjoy living and life because Jesus willingly came and took upon Himself the wrath of God. As we give gifts, receive gifts, sing, eat, serve, and whatever else your day includes, let us do it with a great sense of gratitude for all Jesus provided to us through His birth, life, death, and resurrection.
Merry Christmas!
Image Credit Greyson Joralemon
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together