Scripture: “For 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
Observation: In this chapter, Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin, comes to visit Jesus under the cover of darkness. He seeks to understand who Jesus is and the meaning of His words.
Application: John 3:16 is perhaps the most familiar verse of the New Testament, and Christmas is its actualization. At the moment that God’s heart was broken in Eden, when Adam and Eve chose to disobey Him and brought sin into the world, God set in motion His plan to redeem all mankind.
Christmas Eve is a time to remember that plan. A young couple on their own sought a place of refuge to bring a baby into this world. Think of Mary and Joseph as they grasped the truth that this would be the night God’s Son would be born. They had no comfortable room in which to labor and deliver the baby, no one to help them through the birthing process, no one to calm their fears of how to care for a newborn. But they had their faith in God, and they trusted Him completely.
A few hours later, a baby’s soft cry would fill the night sky, and angels would be rejoicing in the shepherd’s fields. Joseph would prepare a manger to serve as a crib, filling it with fresh hay as Mary swaddled her newborn Son. Then, as baby Jesus slept in her arms, Mary would see Joseph welcome their first visitors.
A small group of excited shepherds would gather around the baby in awe, and with hushed whispers, they would tell their amazing story to the new parents. They would explain that their fears turned to astonishment upon hearing the angelic proclamation from heaven stating, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11). Imagine how Mary and Joseph must have felt hearing this confirmation from the shepherds. Perhaps they cast a knowing look at one another and simply smiled. Perhaps, to the shepherds’ delight, Mary quietly asked if they would like to hold the baby for a moment! Imagine the unspeakable joy of holding the newborn Saviour! Imagine that glorious night!
Christmas Eve ushered in a new dawn for humanity. It brought hope into the world. That hope was the Light of the World… Emmanuel… God with us!
Prayer: Dearest Father in heaven, thank You for Christmas Eve! Your precious Son left heaven to come to our world to save us! Your only Son would become the sacrifice for our sins so we could be reconciled with You forever! Thank You for the faithfulness of Mary and Joseph, whose faith reminds me that You are truly the faithful One. You are our Protector, our Deliverer, our Saviour! My heart sings with joy as I celebrate the birth of Your Son, Jesus… my Redeemer and Saviour! Hallelujah! Christ is born! In His precious name, I pray. Amen!
Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child! Holy Infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night, darkness flies, all is light;
Shepherds hear the angels sing, "Alleluia! hail the King!
Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born."
Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
(from “Silent Night” by Joseph Mohr & Franz Gruber)
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“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