"You can never truly enjoy Christmas until you can look up into the Father's face and tell him you have received his Christmas gift." - John R. Rice
Let's play a little name game, shall we? "Who is the greatest person of all time?" Hmmm..? Let me narrow it down a little more. "Who is the greatest teacher of all time?" Still scratching your head??
How about this..."Who is the greatest leader of all time?" No?? Maybe this will ring a bell..."Who lived the only perfect life ever lived?" I think we would agree that there is only one possible answer to all of these questions: Jesus Christ! No one can compare with him.
Unquestionably, the birth of Jesus Christ is the most consequential birth of all time. It totally upended the historical narrative of this planet. Even more, it introduced the greatest One who ever blessed the world with his presence. He is definitely one-of-a-kind!
"But wait...there's more!" The teachings, miracles, parables, precepts, example, life, death, resurrection, and purposes of Jesus Christ also serve to reveal his uniqueness. No doubt, this is all very powerful and vital information. Yet, it is his birth that is quite extraordinary. And that is the focus of today's message.
When most of us think about the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ, we tend to overlook an important part of the blessed event. I know it's easy to get caught up in the shepherds, manger, the Star of Bethlehem, etc. However, it's the part that we don't always consider that is essential to the rest of it. Jesus' life didn't begin with his birth!
He existed in the beginning with the Father God. His birth was an advent, or a coming into the world from heaven on a very special mission. (John 1:1-2; John 1:14) Think of it this way. Jesus didn't come to be, or into existence, in the way we think of it. He already was. By way of his birth he came to earth as a real, breathing man of flesh and blood; just like you and I.
One of the biggest questions, if not the biggest, revolves around the Virgin Birth of Jesus. It is a relevant question which has to do with miracles. After all, the birth of Christ was certainly a miracle! We can think of the Virgin Birth as the keystone of the arch of history. If Jesus isn't born of a virgin, he is not God but man. The Virgin Birth is recorded in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38)
Christian tradition maintains the Virgin Birth. It's even incorporated in the Apostle's Creed. Which curiously enough was not actually written by the apostles themselves, but is so named because it consists of a brief summary of their teachings. Furthermore, about 80% of professing Christians around the world believe in the Virgin Birth.
As we approach Christmas, let's not get so distracted by the shopping, lights, trees, smells, gifts, and parties that we forget the great truth of Christmas. The truth is that God has come to be with us. This is so important, that the Bible gives 256 titles to Jesus to demonstrate his majesty, deity, and humanity to us! (1 Timothy 3:16; Matthew 1:23; Hebrews 1:14-15; John 10:10; Luke 2:34)
In closing, I leave you with this. The first Christmas presents to us the Christ. Let's always seek him, believe him, and serve him. I wish each and every one of you and your families a most blessed, joyous, and safe Christmas and holiday season.
2016 was made even more special because I had the opportunity to share my love for Jesus Christ with all of you. If God wills it, I look forward to being with you again in 2017. God bless you!
Scripture: Luke 1:35; Luke 1:37-38; Luke 2:11; Matthew 1:21; 2 Corinthians 5:21
Prayer: Holy Father, as we gather with family and friends during this holiest time of the year; I want to thank you for Your most precious gift to us; Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen
Have a blessed Monday!
Hailey
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