The Greatest Mystery of Christmas

   

“What effect do hearts and lives made holy through Jesus have? They have the ability to change an entire family, city, nation and the world.”

Did you know there are many things we cannot explain? Like dark matter in our universe. We know it exists, but unsure what it is and where it exists. Did you also know what the least explored part of the earth is? The deep sea, where depths can reach seven miles. Only two humans have ever traveled there. The whole region is a mystery to scientists. Do you know what the greatest mystery to the Christmas story is? The virgin birth. It is a mystery to both theologians and scientists. How can a woman become pregnant without the sperm of a man? But the virgin birth is beyond mysterious, it is miraculous, and it is the very center of the Christmas story, for without it, there would be no Christmas. (Image by eyecrave productions)

The virgin birth is the way in which Jesus came from heaven to earth. It was how God became a man and humbly lived among us. One of Jesus’ Apostles wrote of this, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) Often Jesus referred to Himself as being sent by His Father in heaven, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.” (John 6:38)

Jesus eternally existed in heaven until one marvelous day. It was then He left His Father and the angels in His celestial home, to become a seed planted inside of a young virgin’s womb. I cannot imagine what heaven must have been like, seeing Him go. And Mary became God’s chosen instrument to bring His Son into the world. She was a woman in her teenage years when she and her fiancé, Joseph, were preparing to wed. It was during this time Mary had an encounter that would change her life and the world, forever. An angel appeared to her and communicated a message from the Lord God. "…you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus" (Luke 1:31). Thinking logically, Mary could not understand. She replied to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" (Luke 1:34). The angel explained, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy—the Son of God…For nothing will be impossible with God" (Luke 1:35, 38).

The virgin birth was necessary because of who Jesus was; a holy, perfect, and sinless Man. And God the Father chose Mary to bring Him into the world. She was faithful Him, and had never lain with a man. Though Mary was not sinless, God made her holy, which prepared her to receive the Son of God.

The virgin birth was also necessary because of the cross. For only Jesus could have died and rose again to provide forgiveness of sins for the world. In all the universe there was no one so good, so right as He. There would be no cross and no resurrection, if there was no virgin birth.

The birth of Christ is no myth, legend or allegory. It is a historical fact, albeit, a miraculous one. No scientist can explain or fully understand it. It is a complete miracle in how a virgin can give birth to a child. Do you believe in the virgin birth of the Lord Jesus Christ? Jesus came from heaven to earth for you and your household. For it is only through His birth and resurrection, both miracles, that you can have the hope of forgiveness and be spared from the judgment of God.

A prayer for you - "Lord God, I pray you will help us to believe in the virgin birth of your Son. It is a miracle. It defies human logic. How could this be? Help us to believe and fully yield our lives to you. For you are the God of the impossible. Do the impossible within us, and change our hearts this very hour. In Jesus’ name. Amen."

The Offense of Christmas

 

“What effect do hearts and lives made holy through Jesus have? They have the ability to change an entire family, city, nation and the world.”

Christmas naturally provides opportunities to talk about Jesus with people. On one such occasion I was driving along with a friend who was not religious. I asked “So do you believe in the existence of Jesus as a historical figure?” He said, “Yes.” I also questioned, “Do you believe Jesus died?” He remembered the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and acknowledged how brutal the Roman torture was, and stated “The Romans were ruthless. He definitely would have suffered mortal wounds.” I addressed the resurrection, “Do you believe Jesus rose from the dead?” He paused then doubted the writings of the New Testament that testify to it. “What about the belief that Jesus is God?” He questioned the possibility of it, then quickly mentioned how he fully agreed with the moral teachings of Jesus. (image by Santa Vectors by Vecteezy)

For many, when they have conversations about Christmas, it turns to a discussion of family gatherings, school programs and holiday decorations. But for true Christians it is much different. It is centered around Jesus; that He was sent by the Creator God from heaven to earth; that His birth was miraculous and a historical fact; that He grew up to become the world’s greatest teacher, spiritual leader and miracle worker; that He died by sacrificing Himself for the salvation of all mankind; that He conquered sin and death by miraculously rising from the dead. This Jesus, the divine Son of God, is worshipped by people all over the world at Christmastime in remembrance for who He is and what He has done.

Even though the discussion about Jesus with my friend was pleasant, there are other times, when the Christ of Christmas is divisive. This time every year, many attempt to ban Jesus from His own holiday and replace Him with elves, reindeer and lavish spending. The area of tension is found in public settings, where officials do not want Jesus to offend school or university students. And in business arenas, where owners do not want to offend customers. The offense of Jesus goes beyond this and to world religions. Judaism, Islam, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons and even atheists – they all have one thing in common. They do not acknowledge Jesus as the divine Son of God or celebrate Christmas in honor of Him.

What is at the heart of this effort to expunge Jesus from Christmas? The deity of Christ. The fact of Jesus’ miraculous birth, life and resurrection all clearly reveal He was more than just a mere man, but divine. And this truth has far reaching implications. It means Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords and must be submitted to. It is a truth that commands allegiance. It is a truth that changes everything.

We see this illustrated with King Herod in the Christmas story. After Herod heard about a baby boy that had been born as King of the Jews through wise men whom were seeking to find and worship Him, Herod sought to find and kill Him. He wanted to be rid of Jesus. Why? Because He posed a threat. The wise men did not think the same. They traveled from afar, and brought gifts to honor the baby King. He was no offense to them.

Jesus once said, “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” (John 12:46) From the divinity of Jesus comes a blazing light. It pierces through a world steeped in darkness. The shining light was displayed in full measure on the night of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem nearly 2,000 years ago.

The light of Jesus’ deity and peoples need for His saving power, offends them. They try to hide from it, or even work to eliminate it, but cannot. Yet, in His kindness and mercy, Jesus still calls out that they might know Him through His covenant love.

A prayer for you – Lord God, we praise you for the Christ of Christmas. We praise you, that He was more than just a man, but God Himself walking among us. This Christmas, may people see His divine light and turn to Him with all their heart and be saved from their sin. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Coming King of Christmas

“What effect do hearts and lives made holy through Jesus have? They have the ability to change an entire family, city, nation and the world.”

In times of crisis, whether it be a financial collapse, rising crime, political in-fighting, moral failures among the influential, the blood shed from war or wide spread corruption, people naturally want change. History is replete with renowned figures that rose from obscurity in eras of uncertainty to influence a nation or affect the world. No matter what a person’s political or religious affiliation is, during a crisis, they just simply want things to turn around. (Image from Motion Worship)

This is why in the course of human history God would routinely intervene in national and world affairs by raising up a chosen messenger to bring about change. One such man was King David. When he was young, he was anointed by God to be Israel’s future king. “Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward.” (1 Samuel 13:13) As the years went by, young David rose to prominence and fulfilled God’s mission leading Israel toward its greatest years. 

During his reign God made this promise to him, “And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.” (2 Samuel 7:16) What a promise! But how is that possible? For David knew he would eventually be laid to rest like all others. 

David understood that his promised eternal reign would obviously not be himself, but through his future lineage. He believed that through generations yet born, there would always be a king from his line. But more so, he wisely understood there would eventually arise from his line, a King greater than himself and all others, whom would reign forever. 

And who was that future king? 

On the first Christmas Day there was born a baby from the line of David. His name was Jesus. His birth was foretold centuries earlier by Isaiah, “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) Jesus grew up to become the greatest spiritual leader in Israel’s history, and eventually gave Himself to die on a cross and rise again for the people of Israel, and the whole world. He once said of Himself, “I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” (Revelation 22:16) And the angels of heaven declared that Jesus was the Anointed One spoken about in David’s promise, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” (Rev. 11:15)    

Like Jesus’ ancestor, David, He was a King and came as a Deliverer. However, David was a king of a physical nation who sought to deliver his countrymen from their surrounding enemies. Conversely, Jesus came not to set up and rule over a physical kingdom, but a spiritual one. 

Let me ask, why do nations go to war? Why is there crime and rampant immorality? Why are there crises? Because of evil in the hearts of people. However, Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection provided a pathway for people to be delivered from this indwelling evil. When they meet His conditions of faith and repentance, they can be instantaneously made new. 

What effect do hearts and lives made holy through Jesus have? They have the ability to change an entire family, city, nation and the world.

And one day this will happen. He came the first time as a baby, but He has promised to return a second time as a divine Warrior. Then He will physically deliver the whole world from His enemies and set up a physical kingdom where He will reign forever.

This Christmas, enter into Jesus’ kingdom. Trust Him with your whole being and be made new!      

A prayer for you – Lord God, thank you for Christmas and the hope of deliverance from sin it brings. Examine our hearts to see if there be any evil within us. Then help us to earnestly call upon Jesus to be forgiven. In His name. Amen.