Beyond Christmas Wrap

KEY VERSE: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” —Luke 2:11

SELECTED SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:1-17

AS WE ENTER this holiday season, and particularly as it relates to the birth of the Savior, Christ the Lord, our minds turn back to that event so long ago in Bethlehem of Judea, to a stable where the babe Jesus had been laid on a bed of straw placed in a manger after birth. This one that had been sent by God to be the Savior of mankind was born in truly humble surroundings. How different this was from what Israel expected as foretold many years before by Isaiah when he prophesied, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”—Isaiah 9:6

The Apostle Paul speaks of this newborn king as having been “rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” (II Cor. 8:9) He also tells us how Jesus left the glory which he had with the Father and humbling himself by being “made in the likeness of men” became the Savior of all mankind by being “obedient unto death.”—Phil. 2:7,8

Surrounding nations had heard of Israel’s hopes, that to them would come a great Savior and Deliverer, one who would bless them and exalt them in the world. Thus it was that wise men in the east who studied astronomy and astrology saw his star in the east and came to see and to worship him that was born King of the Jews.

Looking beyond the tinsel, lights, gift-giving, and family gatherings of Christmas festivities, how meaningful today is the manger scene. The song which the angels sang at the birth of the Savior, “Glory to God in the highest,” was an expression of God’s good will, his good purpose, to bring all mankind back to the image and likeness of himself. (Luke 2:14) When in due time this will be accomplished and true peace comes to all the earth, man’s disharmony and strife will end.

As the wonderful counselor and Prince of Peace, “he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; … nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” Indeed, they will have true security. How sure is this promise, “For the mouth of the Lord of hosts hath spoken it.”—Micah 4:3,4

We cannot agree that December 25 is the correct date for celebrating the birth of our Lord because other civil events and the observances of Jewish Law requirements by Jesus indicate that it was most likely around early October. Jesus did not ask us to memorialize his birth, but rather, his death. Therefore, on this day so widely observed by the Christian world, we may properly join with all whose hearts are in the attitude of love and appreciation toward God and Jesus.

Let us rejoice at this joyful season of the year and have our hearts filled with appreciation of the Divine love and generosity, which gave us the great gift of Messiah, which shall bless all mankind. As we have freely received, let us freely give, and thus copy our Lord and the Heavenly Father. All of us have the privilege of offering to our fellows the gifts of God’s love, by making known to them the riches of his grace.

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