First Christian Church

By Bruce Humes

Pastor

The Gospel of Luke, chapter 2, has an account of the birth of Jesus Christ. It begins when Caesar Augustus decreed that all the world should be registered. This decree sent everyone to their own city, which meant that Joseph, along with Mary, went to Bethlehem because he was of the linage of King David.

We pick the Scripture up in verses 6-7, which say, “So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” We see the humble beginning of the Lord Jesus Christ, born amongst the animals because mankind had no room for him.

Heavenly hosts announce his birth in verses 8-14: “Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.” Notice to whom the angel was sent–not to the royalty, the rich, or to the religious leaders, but the lowly shepherds.

“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you: You will find a bae wrapped in swaddling cloth, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, and goodwill toward men!‘” The angels break out in a heavenly praise to God, giving him glory for bringing that which will bring reconciliation between man and God. .

This is the significance of the celebration of the birth of Christ: the end result is the free gift of salvation through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ for those who believe. There is no better gift to receive.