During the time of the hustle- bustle of shopping for presents, planning meals, get-togethers,and fellowship spent with each other, remember the true meaning of Christmas. The most amazing event in human history took place in the birth of God’s own Son.

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ, the “incarnation” of Divinity in human flesh. Charles Spurgeon wrote of Jesus:

“Infinite, and an infant. eternal, and yet born of a woman. Supporting a universe, and yet needing to be carried in a mother’s arms. King of angels and yet the reputed son of Joseph. Heir of all things, and yet the carpenter’s despised son. The Lord of the universe sets aside His royal robes, and exchanges them for humanity.”

Christ is the chosen, sent Son of God, being one of the three persons of the Trinity, and without ceasing to be God, has revealed Himself to humanity, for the sake of our salvation, by becoming the human being named Jesus.

Yet, all that said and alluding to much more, we find the announcement of His birth filled with excitement.

Luke 2:8 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 of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ 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, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests. (NIV)

Each one of us has an understanding through the scriptures of the meaning of Christmas. Mary also had to consider all these great truths.

Luke 2:19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

She thought about, pondered these things, these events, these seeming paradoxes. Instead of causing her to dismiss these things as wild fancy…it brought to her a sense of wonder, a sense of thanksgiving, and gratefulness for the blessing of God. Scripture tells us “she treasured these things.” That is what God wants all of us to do.

The word of God calls the birth of Christ “good news that causes great joy for all mankind.”

Just think of how the King of kings was announced to the lowly shepherds first. Surely we can all see it was emphasized in this manner so everyone could receive His salvation from the least of us to those in higher positions.

Christmas is so much more than presents, dinners, fun and fellowship. The Lord of Glory, the God, the Father of Christ said; ”peace on earth to men on whom rests His favor.” God was never ashamed of where Christ was born, nor of the shepherds who first knew the miracle of Christmas. Just as He is never ashamed of us, so let us never be ashamed of Him.

We love you. Merry Christmas.