The Christmas Story (Part 1)

When you share publically the Christmas story in this age and time you are often attacked for your belief and aspect of this wonderful tale. Yet, the Christmas story stands out as one of the greatest events of history, and I believe there are some reasons why this story stands above all others in history.

-It has stood the test of time

For two thousand plus years people have told of the child in a Bethlehem manger; of angels who announced his birth to shepherds; of learned men who traveled a great distance to view him. That a story persists for many years does not prove its truthfulness. Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the tooth fairy survive in the popular imagination. But a twenty-century plus tenure of this wonderful story at proves it stands the test of time. Modern society has tried to kill it, yet it still lives as the greatest story of them all.

-It's one filled with promise and survival.

Jesus' society knew great pain and oppression. Rome ruled with a tight fist and corrupt tax collectors burdened the people. Some religious leaders even sanctioned physical beating of Jewish citizens participating in compulsory religious duties to appease the government.

Joseph and his pregnant wife Mary traveled a long distance to Bethlehem to register for a census but could not obtain proper lodging. Mary bore her baby and laid him in a manger, a feeding trough for animals. Eventually, King Herod sought to kill the baby. Warned of impending risk, Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt, then returned home after Herod's death. Imagine how Mary felt. Traveling while pregnant would be challenging, but  fleeing to another nation lest some king slay your son would not be pleasant. Yet she, Joseph, and Jesus survived the ordeal. In the midst of social and cultural challenges, the Christmas story offers encouragement toward survival and hope of new life linked to someone greater than oneself.

-It's about peace and goodwill.

Christmas carolers sing of "peace on earth." Greeting cards extol peace, families desire it, and the news reminds us of its fleeting nature. The Christmas angel announced to some shepherds, "'Don't be afraid! . . . I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David!" A crowd of angels then appeared praising God and proclaiming peace among people of good will. The Christmas story brings a message of peace and goodwill that can soothe anxious hearts and calm interpersonal strife.

-It's about family.

Christmas is a time for family gatherings. This interaction can often bring great joy or great stress. Estrangement or ill will from past conflicts can explode.

Joseph and Mary had their share of family challenges. Consider their circumstances. The historical accounts indicate that Joseph's fiancée became pregnant though she was a virgin. Mary believed an angel told her she was pregnant by God. Now, how would you feel if your fiancé/fiancée exhibited apparent evidence of sexual activity with someone else during your engagement? Suppose your intended said that God had sanctioned the whole thing. Would your trust and self-esteem take a nosedive? Would you cancel the wedding?

Joseph, described as "a just man, decided to break the engagement quietly, so as not to disgrace Mary publicly." But an angel appeared to him in a dream, explaining that the child was conceived in her by God, and told him to "name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."Joseph followed instructions and cared for his family. His continuing commitment to Mary and Jesus played a significant part in the boy's birth and early childhood. With God's help, their family overcame major obstacles and so can your family in this special time of the year.

(End of Part 1)