Photo by Burkay Canatar from Pexels
“Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:11-12 CSB)
“Jesus is the Reason for the Season”
photo by TK
This saying, printed on a small window banner, was part of our Christmas decor as a young family. After all, this simple expression is an important but too often overlooked statement of truth during the Christmas season.
Over the years, we’ve had variations of this sign declaring why our family celebrates Christmas.
We still string outside lights on the house and have a manger scene, Christmas tree, and other festive decorations in the house, but this little sign reminds us of the simplicity of our faith as young believers.
The central focus of celebrating the birth of Jesus ought to go beyond the image of a baby born in a manger. It reminds us of the unexpected time in world history when God became human to make Himself known and to provide the way of redemption and restoration for all humanity.
For me, the Christmas story expands beyond the central focus on Jesus. This might sound sacrilegious at first, perhaps blasphemous to some, but hear me out.
I like asking the question “why?” Jesus is indeed the reason for the season! But why did God send His Son at the time He did and the way He did? Of course, answering this question could go off in several theological directions, which may be true and important.
photo by TK– our hearth Christmas decor
However, as the saying goes, it’s easy to miss the forest for the trees. It’s easy to focus on the many theological truths of God’s redemption of humankind and lose sight of the simple and powerful purpose of redemption.
The simple truth is this—God sent His Son to redeem people— ”whoever…” would believe and receive God’s personal, gracious redemption for eternity (John 3:16 NKJV).
It’s easy to look past the “whoever” and drill down on the theological truth of redemption. And yet…
You and I and all humanity are the “whoever.”
The “whoever’s”
One aspect of this wonderful story of redemption is who is included and how they’re involved. This is not to say God’s redemptive work was or is dependent upon humanity’s cooperation and involvement. But it shows how inclusive God is and how far-reaching His love and grace are.
It’s great to know Jesus and the gospel, but if we stop there, we miss the greater point of their importance. We, believers, are members of a worldwide, living organism and community known as the church—the Body of Christ (Rom 12:5; 1 Cor 12:27 CSB).
We are called to be living testimonies (“witnesses”) of God’s redeeming love and resurrection power to the world around us and beyond (Acts 1:8 CSB). This participation in God’s redemptive plan for all humanity was foreshadowed by the cast of many involved with the story of the Lord’s birth.
Here is a short list of notable people from the gospel accounts of Christ’s birth found in Matthew and Luke—
Joseph and Mary– obviously, the main characters other than Jesus and the Holy Spirit– Matt 1:18-25 / Luke 2:1-7 (CSB)
Gabriel and other angels– the announcers, although not the recipients of salvation (Heb 1:14)– Matt 1:20; Luke 1:11, 19; 26-38; 2:19-14 (CSB)
Zechariah and Elizabeth– father and mother of John the Baptizer and prophets– Luke 1:5-25; 39-45; 56-66; 67-80 (CSB)
Shepherds– unexpected participants, the “cowboys” or “migrant workers” of that time– Luke 2:8-20 (CSB)
King David– known for his prophetic role as the Lord’s Messianic ancestor– Matt 1:6, 17; 2:2-6; Luke 1:32-33; 2:4, 10 (CSB)
OT prophets and kings– as part of the Messianic genealogy– Matt 1:1-17 (CSB)
Patriarchs and 4 women– some with questionable morality and includes 2 Gentile women
The Roman emperor and governor (Caesar Augustus/Quirinius)– God uses these idolatrous leaders for His purposes to fulfill Messianic prophecy– Luke 2:1-3 (CSB)
And don’t forget those involved soon after the Lord’s birth—
Simeon the prophet and Anna the prophetess– who prophesied and prayed for the Lord and His parents at His presentation at the temple– Luke 2:25-35; 36-38 (CSB)
The Magi– although more than a year after the Lord’s birth, they brought prophetic gifts to honor the Lord– Matt 2:1-12 (CSB)
A reminder
Again, the great value of celebrating Christmas goes beyond remembering the Lord’s birth. His first advent reminds us of the reason Jesus was born into the world as the Son of God, the Redeemer of all humanity.
This work of redemption and the gospel—God’s story of redemption—is how we are included in the family of God and God’s great plan known as the Great Commission. This is what every believer is called to participate in as an extension of God’s work of redemption to the world (Acts 1:8 CSB).
Our inclusion in God’s great plan of redemption also reminds us to look forward to the Lord’s second advent—His return—the culmination of His redemptive work (Heb 9:28 CSB).
So, let’s celebrate Christmas with great joy!
Our joy is the Lord’s joy—that He included us into His family and in His great plan of redemption.
“I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11 CSB)
“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14 NKJV)
