How many times have you heard the Christmas story in the course of your lifetime? Many times I’m sure yet its a story that never grows old. We love to hear the story of Jesus’ birth. For me; the story begins in the Old Testament through the words written in Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: The virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall called him Immanuel.” Go further ahead and there’s Isaiah 9:6-7, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” He follows with, “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.”
What a wonderful promise. Time is of no essence to the Lord; He is never too early or late; but always right on time. Research reveals that 700 years had passed, and at God’s appointed time, Jesus’ birth was fulfilled.
The Christmas story reveals that God chose Joseph, a carpenter who was betrothed (engaged) to a young Jewish virgin, named Mary to be Jesus’ earthly parents. We can only imagine what Mary was thinking when an angel appeared before her and said, “Listen, you will conceive in your womb and have a Son and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Highest.”
God knew Joseph needed to be prepared for this unexpected news about Mary. We read in Matthew 1:20 that an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for He who is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” Verse 22 says, “Now all this occurred to fulfill what the Lord had spoken through the prophet, saying, “A virgin shall be with child, and will bear a Son, and they shall call Him Immanuel,” which is interpreted “God with us.”
Jesus was born in the City of David which is called Bethlehem. Luke 2: 7 says, “She gave birth to her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them at the inn.” The rest of this amazing story is found in Luke 2:8-20.
The words in the beautiful Christmas carols: “Away In A Manager”, “O Holy Night”, “O Come All Ye Faithful”, “Little Town Of Bethlehem” among others serve to remind us of Jesus, the true reason we celebrate Christmas. His story will never grow because He promised to be with us forever. His gift will last for an eternity. Hallelujah!