Scripture: “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” – Luke 2:7
Observation: The culmination of Mary and Joseph’s long trip to Bethlehem ends with the birth of Jesus. Unable to find conventional lodging, they stay in an area seemingly reserved for livestock of some sort. There, they find a feeding trough and create a makeshift crib in which to lay their newborn son.
Application: There is a saying that goes, “Don’t sweat the small stuff”. While there is nothing in the Bible that is “small”, we often get caught up in trivial details and miss the significance of what God is telling us. Here are three areas of contention that should never be a distraction during the Christmas season.
1. The birthplace
- Stable? Tower of the flock? Lower level of a house reserved for animals?
- While there may be certain aspects of each location that could be evidential support for the precise spot, the important thing is that the birth took place somewhere in Bethlehem. This is the identified location written in God’s Word.
- “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,” – Matthew 2:1
2. The birthdate
- Summer? Winter?
- There are valid arguments for each season, but even historians cannot agree on the timing of the census.
- “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.” – Luke 2:1
- What is important is that Jesus was actually born! December 25th is the day to celebrate His birth regardless if it is or isn’t the actual date.
3. The magi
- Three or more?
- The supposition that there were three wise men comes from the three gifts that are mentioned in the Bible. But the exact number of magi is not stated.
- “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” -Matthew 2:11
- What is important is the act of worship that is demonstrated by the arrival of the magi who recognized the significance of Jesus and His birth.
If the exact location, date, and number of visitors were important to know, God would have included these facts in His Word. But He didn’t, so they’re not! Let us not be so wrapped up in insignificant details like these that we lose focus on what is really important.
Christmas is a time to focus on the great love that God has for us. He chose to redeem us from our sins by sending His beloved Son to become the Saviour of the world. Jesus, this tiny little baby promised in Genesis, was sent from heaven to become the sacrificial offering for the sins of the entire world. This is what Christmas is all about. We needed a Saviour; God sent His Son. His divine Christmas gift would truly change the world one heart at a time.
Prayer: Dearest heavenly Father, thank You so much for the gift of Christ. I cannot imagine what it cost for Jesus to leave the glory of heaven and subject Himself to the depravity and sinfulness of this world to save us all from our sins, yet He did. Thank You for Christmas – a time to remember and rejoice in the coming of Emmanuel… God with us. A time to be grateful for the Christmas gift to come… that only He could make possible – salvation through His shed blood on the cross. What unfathomable love! I am so very thankful that Jesus came, and it’s in His precious holy name, I pray. Amen.
Celebrations come because of something good
Celebrations we love to recall
Mary had a baby boy in Bethlehem
The greatest celebration of all
Come on ring those bells, light the Christmas tree
Jesus is the King, born for you and me
Come on ring the bells, everybody say
Jesus, we remember this your birthday
(from “Come On Ring Those Bells” by Andrew Culverwell)
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“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:21