The Christmas Story (Part 2)

-It's about humble beginnings.

When kings, presidents, and other rulers appear in public, great celebrations often begin. From a biblical perspective, God came first ,not as a ruling king, but as a servant, a baby born in humble circumstances. His becoming human helped humans identify with Him. The Christmas story speaks of  true humility.

-It's about identity.
Jesus' followers noted numerous clues to his identity and there were many prophecies written years before His birth.

a. Micah told around 700 BC of deliverance through a coming Messiah or "Anointed One" from Bethlehem. We know that  according to the Christmas story that Jesus "was born in Bethlehem of Judea."

b. Isaiah foretold that the Messiah would be born of a virgin. He wrote, "The Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." The name "Immanuel" means "God is with us." Biblical accounts declare Mary was a virgin when she bore Him.

c. Additional prophecies concern the Messiah’s lineage, betrayal, suffering, execution, and resurrection. 

Can we trust the biblical accounts of the Christmas story? Here are three important points to answer that question:

d. Eyewitness Testimony.
The Gospels bear evidence of containing, eyewitness accounts. In a courtroom, eyewitness testimony is among the most reliable evidence.

e. Early Date.
Dr. William F. Albright, one of the world's leading archaeologists, dated every book of the New Testament  before about AD 80. There is no known record of NT factual authenticity ever being successfully challenged by a contemporary.

-Manuscript Evidence.
Over 24,000 early manuscript copies of portions of the NT exist today. Concerning manuscript attestation, Sir Frederic Kenyon, director and principle librarian of the British Museum, concluded, "Both the authenticity and the general integrity of the books of the New Testament may be regarded as finally established."

The Christmas story is notable for its enduring messages of hope, peace, goodwill, family and humility. It was foretold by prophets and has substantial manuscript support. But there is another reason for considering the story of Jesus' birth, perhaps the most important.

-It's the reason for the season.

Jesus' followers taught that His conception and birth were part of a divine plan to bring us genuine peace, inner freedom, and self-respect. They believed that God wants us to enjoy friendship with Him, and meaning and purpose. Yet, our own self-centeredness separates us from Him. Left to our own, we would spend both time and eternity in this spiritually unplugged state. Jesus came to help plug us into God. Mary's baby was born to die, paying the penalty for our self-centeredness, which is "sin." When the adult Jesus died on the cross, He carried the penalty due all our sins then rose from the dead to give new life.

Jesus explained, "God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." God can become your friend if you believe in Him, that is, if you trust Him to forgive you. He will never let you down.


Christmas is meant to celebrate peace and joy. Amidst the busyness of shopping, parties, presents, and fun, consider the Christmas Story and the Prince of Peace who came to spread love and joy to all who believe in Him. It's a story that has a happy ending for all who believe it.