An angelic encounter, a re-assuring dream, an Imperial decree, a taxing journey, an overcrowded hostel, an out-of-the-way stable in an out-of-the-way village, a handful of shepherds, a sky-full of angels, a brilliant star, three eastern Magi on another taxing journey, and one very special Baby Boy. Add it all up and you get Christmas.
Here we are, 2000 plus years later, and we still celebrate this incredible event. There is something compelling about the nativity story that just keeps us coming back. What’s it about, anyway?
Our society has commercialised it, with lots of advertising and encouragements to purchase lots of presents in keeping with the ‘spirit of giving.’ The other thing we’ve made it about is food and parties. And don’t forget the decorations – colored lights and snowmen and Santa Clauses and ornamental deer. Much of it is uplifting and delightful. But it’s really about that Baby Boy! The one called Jesus.
The angel pointed the shepherds to Jesus. The star pointed the Wise Men to Jesus. Everything included in the biblical record has one focus – Jesus! It was expressed best by the angel in the announcement to the shepherds: “I bring you good news of great joy…. a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”
We may not know the full extent of it, but we all need a Savior and Jesus is the Savior that we need. Shouldn’t our Christmas celebrations be about him?
