On this Christmas Eve: Jesus Came to Dwell Among Us
Christmas Eve invites followers of Jesus Christ to pause in the midst of the busyness and festivities to reflect on the profound mystery at the heart of this season. As I sit here and write, the Christmas tree sparkles with just the light of a small lamp in the room. Music and traditional carols play in the background. The rooms are filled with family as we gather in anticipation. Yet, the true meaning of this day is not found in these traditions alone, but in the reality of God entering human history. As you will see below, Scripture declares this truth by placing us there that night, reminding every follower of Christ of the greatest gift ever given.
Consider the account in Luke chapter two:
“And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into 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 wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:1–7).
These verses describe ordinary events: an imperial decree, a journey prompted by a government requirement, and a birth under humble circumstances. Yet, within the ordinary, we read about the extraordinary as it unfolds. As the Apostle Paul in Colossians 1 teaches, Jesus is the eternal Son of God and the Creator of all things. In mind-blowing fashion, He enters the world as a helpless infant. He who called the universe into existence now cries in a feeding trough. The One who sustains all things finds no royal welcome. There was no room at the inn. This reveals the depth of His divine love for us. God does not distance Himself from us with our weakness, struggles, and sin. He enters it fully.
The narrative continues with the angels announce the birth to the shepherds:
“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, 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, goodwill toward men!’” (Luke 2:8-14)
Shepherds, the ones society usually overlooked, heard the very first announcement of the Savior’s birth. Heaven broke open in praise as angels proclaimed peace and goodwill. The angels understood the significance of the moment; they had to praise. They picked the most ordinary people available in the middle of the night. And what message did they give to these ordinary shepherds? A message of hope that these shepherds could go find Jesus, not a mighty warrior to conquer armies, but a baby in a manger.
Switching Gospels, John in his Gospel provides, in one sense, deeper theological insight into this event.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:1-3, 14).
Here the incarnation of Jesus receives explicit explanation and declaration. The Word – Jesus Who is eternal, divine, the agent of creation – takes on human flesh. He dwells among us, revealing in real time the glory of the Father through a life characterized fully by grace and truth. Jesus came down. He lived among us. Think about it for a moment: the infinite becomes finite without ceasing to be infinite, the Holy One identifies with sinners though He remains sinless, and the invisible becomes visible because He chooses to live among us.
Will you pause just a moment for meditation?
On this Christmas Eve, the story of Jesus challenges each one of us in both our thinking and actions. Consider these four observations:
- We must marvel at the humility of Christ. Jesus models self-emptying love (Phil 2:5-8). As those who follow Him, we find encouragement to embrace similar humility in our relationships, service, and daily living.
- We can rejoice in the nearness of God. Through Jesus, God makes His home among His people. If you have a personal relationship with Jesus, He is with you always. He is present. Further, you experience His presence through the indwelling Holy Spirit, where you find comfort in trials and the power for obedience.
- We should share the good tidings. The angels proclaimed joy to all people; shepherds spread the news after witnessing the baby. In the same way, those of us who know Christ bear responsibility to declare His salvation, as we seek to live in a Christ-like manner. Christmas provides natural opportunities for conversations about the true reason for the season.
- We ultimately rest in the peace He brings. The heavenly host announced peace on earth. This peace surpasses our circumstances. Ultimately, we enjoy peace because of our reconciliation with God through faith in Christ (Col 1:21-23). In the midst of all the holiday pressures, personal difficulties, personal loss, and personal suffering, we can find rest in Jesus.
As the day passes and Christmas Eve deepens, it gives way to celebration. As Jesus’ mother Mary did (cf., Luke 2:19), let every heart ponder these things. The Babe in the manger is the Savior of the world, full of grace and truth, Who brings peace to every person, both eternally and in their soul now. May this Christmas Eve renew your awe at the incarnation and deepen your commitment to live for the One who came to dwell among us.
Here’s a great idea: A Fun Christmas Bible Trivia Game
To learn more about can you be sure you will go to heaven: Can You Know For Sure You Will Go to Heaven?
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