At this time of year, a tradition in many homes is to read the Christmas story from Luke 2:1-20. Reading or hearing it can bring back warm memories of family and friends sitting around the house sharing good times and laughter. As I read the story again recently, I felt an internal urging to study a little deeper. When I asked the Lord to open my understanding, I gained more insight than I can share with you today, but I will give you a little bit of what I received.
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger (Luke 2:11-12, KJV).
Newborn babies have a way of drawing attention. The news of a baby in one’s area is enough to cause a certain level of excitement to come. I am sure that many people visited Mary and Joseph simply for the joy of seeing a new baby, not knowing the true significance of the child’s life. The shepherds who visited made known what they saw. Those who heard the story were amazed, and many went to visit because of what they heard.
People love to hear a good story, and while the story of Christ’s birth is a great story, I want to impress upon you today that it is not just a story. The beauty of this story was not just the fact that a man and his wife made a tiring journey to his homeland where she would give birth to a son and wrap him in swaddling clothes. The beauty was, and is, that God took on humanity in the form of a baby. This baby would be nurtured and loved, and would one day bring salvation, healing, hope, and deliverance to the world!
As you read the story of Christ’s birth, do not look at it as just a story. Ask the Lord to give you keener insight (revelation) into its significance. Pray and ask God’s help in remembering the reason we celebrate. Then share your insight with others.
16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16, KJV).
Let us all add to our family traditions a renewed sense of thankfulness for the greatest gift God ever gave – His Son. In knowing this, we must know without a shadow of doubt that the account of our Lord’s birth is not just a story. It is a pronouncement of peace, hope, and joy to the world!
The Lord has come, so let Earth receive her King!
Author, speaker, musician DEREK E. EURALES, Jr., loves to share his faith, motivation, and music. His book, Principles of Christian Living, has become a “must read” for believers of all ages. To order your copy, click here.