Be it the colorful decoration, the family reunions, vacation, cash bonus or food indulgence, Christmas is a time of festive celebrations that brings about unique pressure and challenges. As we look through the Scripture from the book of Luke, we will focus on the true meaning of Christmas that gives us our source of comfort and joy throughout  this season.  

The birth of Jesus (verses 1-7)

Jesus’ birth is a fulfillment of various prophecies, to name a few:

1. Would be the seed of a woman (Genesis 3:15)

2. Born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14)

3. Promised seed of Abraham (Genesis 2:3)

4. Son of Isaac (Genesis 17:19)

5. Son of Jacob (Genesis 28:14)

6. The tribe of Judah (Genesis 19:20) 

7. Family line of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1)

8. House of David (Jeremiah 23:5)

9. Place of birth – Bethlehem (Micah 5:2)

10. Time of birth (Daniel 9:25)

Prophecies declare that God knows the beginning and the end.There were over 300 Old Testament references to Messiah that was fulfilled by Jesus. Sixty of them considered major prophecies. According to the book “Evidence that Demands a Verdict” by Josh McDowell, a study shows that the probability of fulfilling at least 8 of the 60 major prophecies to 1 person is 1 in 1017 or almost impossible. This tells us that God is sovereign and everything is orchestrated by Him.

As Caesar Augustus issued a decree, Joseph and Mary had to travel from Galilee to Bethlehem. By Joseph and Mary following the laws of man they fulfilled God’s plan.

God is sovereign even in your inconveniences. Because God is in control, you can rest your heart, not be anxious and do your part to make His will happen.

Jesus is proclaimed to the shepherds (verses 8-14)

The verses tell us of how the good news was proclaimed to the shepherds who were out in the fields tending their flock. It is interesting to note that the shepherds were out in the fields which indicated the season was warmer. The notion of Jesus being born in December would then be a misconception as December is a colder season in that region.

Recounting how the message was proclaimed, an angel appeared to them and announced the good news. Jesus’ birth is a message of peace, comfort and blessing for all the people. A message of salvation in Christ the Lord. A personal invitation  to come and meet the baby Jesus. A message proclaimed about Jesus not requiring any commitment of surrendered lives from the shepherds, so it is with us when we are introduced to Jesus where at first there is no commitment to surrender our lives or repent before we see Jesus. It is simply an invitation to seek Him.

Jesus was born as a baby, meek and vulnerable, but he did not remain as a baby. It’s not the end goal. Jesus is our Savior because he lived a sinless life, died for our sins and on the third day rose again. Christmas is just the beginning of a fulfillment of God’s saving grace. As we celebrate this good news of a Savior, let’s pray for sensitivity to share Jesus to others.

As God himself drew the shepherd to baby Jesus, He also draws us to see Jesus. God is revealing himself to us. We are all shepherds. 

The shepherds seek Jesus (verses 15-20)

The shepherds were given clues to look for Him in the city of David where they will find a baby in swaddling clothes lying in a manger. While they are considered lowly working people during their time, the shepherds were faithful Jews looking for the Messiah.They acted decisively and persistently, they had an objective and they knew that it was God who had made known these things to them. They recognized the need to obey and when they finally found Jesus, they were joyful.  

When God places a word in your heart or asks you to do something, act quickly. Follow through on your commitment before the enemy snatches away that decision to obey. The true comfort of Christmas is about finding eternal life in Jesus and rejoicing.  As you pray for opportunity to share Jesus in a meaningful way, plan for it then do it.

In summary:

God is sovereign. We have to do our part.

God draws us to see Jesus as Savior and Lord.

We need to seek Jesus to proclaim and rejoice.