When Heaven Touched Earth: Lessons from the First Christmas
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. —Luke 2:11-12 (KJV)
The moment had finally come Jesus was born; Our Emmanuel, God with us. Hallelujah! He was God’s promise to restore mankind to himself. Yet, as momentous as this event was, most people carried on, unaware of the life-changing miracle unfolding in their midst.
Think about Mary and Joseph for a moment. They held tightly to God’s promises as they gazed at their newborn son, marveling at the miracle in their arms. Even though their accommodations were far from ideal a stable with animals perhaps they found comfort in knowing they were part of God’s plan. Some visitors trickled in, drawn by divine guidance, but the stable remained a quiet refuge, protecting Jesus from the dangerous attention of Herod. This paranoid king, desperate to cling to power, saw even a child as a threat.
Was Jesus’ Birth Obscure?
Not really. While it might have seemed unnoticed to most people, Jesus’ birth had been planned and prophesied for centuries. Here are just a few examples:
Right after Adam and Eve’s fall, God promised a Savior who would come from the seed of a woman to crush the serpent’s head.
God assured Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his lineage, and Jesus was born as a descendant of Abraham.
About 700 years before Jesus’ birth, Isaiah foretold that a virgin would give birth to a son called Immanuel, meaning “God with us.”
Micah predicted the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, about 800 years before the event.
Hosea prophesied that God’s Son would be called out of Egypt, another prophecy fulfilled in Jesus’ early life.
Although many were oblivious to His arrival, God handpicked specific people to play a role in this sacred story.
The Shepherds
Let’s start with the shepherds. They were far from society’s elites. Their job was grueling and lonely, keeping them out in the fields for days or even weeks at a time. They were often looked down on as unworthy since their job kept them away from participation in regular religious activities.
One night, as they watched their flocks under the quiet night sky, everything changed. The sky lit up with the glory of the Lord. Imagine their fear and confusion this wasn’t just another wild animal prowling in the darkness, they were used to that. Then, an angel appeared with a message that would change the world forever: the Savior, Christ the Lord, had been born. The angel told them where to find Him and gave them a sign—a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly, the sky filled with a host of angels praising God and declaring peace on earth and goodwill.
The shepherds didn’t hesitate. They rushed to Bethlehem and found the baby, just as the angel said. With no grand gifts to offer, they gave their worship. And they didn’t keep this news to themselves. They told everyone they could, sharing the joy and wonder of what they had seen.
God chose these humble, overlooked individuals to witness the arrival of His Son. They weren’t powerful or influential, but their hearts were open, and their faith was simple.
The Magi
On the other end of the spectrum were the Magi, often called wise men. They were scholars and advisors, wealthy and highly respected. Unlike the shepherds, they lived well and likely traveled with a large entourage, including servants and guards. Yet, despite their wealth and status, they recognized the significance of Jesus’ birth.
Guided by a star, the Magi embarked on a journey that lasted months. When they finally arrived and saw the child with His mother, they bowed in worship and presented gifts: gold, symbolizing His kingship; frankincense, representing His divinity; and myrrh, foreshadowing His sacrificial death. Their actions revealed their understanding of Jesus’ true identity. Warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left by another route, to protect the child from harm.
A Savior for Everyone
Jesus came for everyone regardless of social status, wealth, or background. From the humble shepherds to the learned Magi, God’s invitation to know Him was universal. As the scriptures remind us, God does not show favoritism. The door is open to anyone who desires a relationship with Him.
The shepherds were the first to spread the good news of Jesus’ birth, while the Magi’s journey symbolized God’s salvation extending to all nations. In Jesus, every person—no matter their race, gender, or class—has the opportunity to become part of God’s family.
What About Us?
The people of Jesus’ time longed for a Messiah, but many missed Him. They were looking for a political hero or perhaps some had grown apathetic, losing the desire to watch and wait for Him.
This raises a crucial question: Are we ready for His second coming? Jesus promised to return, and we should prepare by learning from those in His birth story:
Be watchful: Like Simeon, who waited patiently to see the Messiah, let’s live with hope and expectation.
Be prayerful: Anna, a prophetess, devoted her life to prayer and fasting as she waited for the Savior.
Share the good news: The shepherds couldn’t keep quiet about what they had seen. Are we spreading the hope of Jesus to others?
Seek Him wholeheartedly: The Magi’s long journey shows their determination. Are we seeking Jesus with the same devotion?
The story of Jesus’ birth reminds us of God’s faithfulness and His call to draw near to Him. As we celebrate His first coming, let’s prepare for His return. Although no one knows the day or the hour of His return, the scriptures give us signs to watch for— famine and disease, moral decay, false teachers and prophets, earthquakes and natural disasters, troubles, persecution of Christians, false Christs, wars and rumors of wars. Jesus also said the gospel would be preached to all nations before the end.
So, this Christmas, as we celebrate, let’s keep Jesus truly at the center of it all. Jesus came to save us, and He’s coming again as the conquering King to take those that are His own, separating His sheep from goats. We can not afford to let our love for Him grow cold. We must stay vigilant and wise, redeeming the time to bring the light of Jesus to evil situations in our sphere of influence and the world. Let’s keep running the race with perseverance, knowing that every challenge shapes us to be more like Him. Our love for the Lord must compel us to focus and to share our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ starting right here, right now.
Much Love and Merry Christmas!
A few verses to reflect on:
John1:29; John 1:14; 1 John 3:8; Genesis 3:15; Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 7:14; Hosea 11:1; Matthew 2:1 – 12; 1John1:1-4; Galatians 3:26 – 28; John 1:12; Isaiah 9: 6-7; Mark 13: 7-9; 2 Timothy 4:5; Matthew 24: 4 -14; Heb 12: 1 -3; 1 John 1:12; 2 Corinthians 5:14
