Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. - Isaiah 7:14
Imagine in the year 1300 AD a prophecy was made that transpired now in 2020. The news would make the headlines around the world. Scientists, philosophers, and theologians would be pulling at every thread of the prediction to discover the secret of its truth. And well they should. For a prophecy made 700 years ago to come true today could not be a mere coincidence. There must be a deeper power behind it all. In fact, what takes place could be described as a miracle foretold: the arrival of the Anointed One, Christ on earth. “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: ‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel’” (which means, God with us). - Matthew 1:22-23.
But many are the names of the Anointed One. He is our Prophet, our Priest, and our King. His names are almost without limit. : “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” - Isaiah9:6.
Also are the many beliefs as to why Jesus came to be born a man in the flesh. Some say He came to heal. Some say to preach. Some say to judge. Some even say to bring a worldly kingdom. But the Bible is explicit; Christ came to save. “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” - Matthew 1:21.
Sadly, people see the day of Christ’s incarnation as just another holiday, one for giving and receiving gifts, family visits, and enjoying festive meals. The true meaning of Christmas has all but been obscured by the materialistic and the profane. We all spend far too much time on selfish celebrations and not enough time on godly meditations. We represent the very reason Christ came down! “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” - 1 John 2:15-16.
I’m not for a moment suggesting that we should all ignore the celebration due on the day of the Incarnation. It truly is a day for great thanks and festivities reserved for the coming of our King. “And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’” - Luke 2:10-11.
Imagine the joy of seeing the fulfillment of a prediction we have all awaited for so long- Christ the Savior among us! To rejoice over such a blessing should come natural to all of us, no matter what tribe, nation, or people we come from. Peace should abound in every soul, in every house, and in every nation on earth. But it must be the peace of the Lord, not the subjective peace of mankind. “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” - 2 Corinthians 13:11.This should be our primary consideration on Christmas day: God and man, reconciled.
So as we wake on this most blessed of mornings let us remember the reason for our joy and happiness - Jesus Christ is born to us. Let His Good News shine down upon us.
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