If we enjoy the Christmas story and leave Jesus in the manger, we’ve missed out on the real reason for the season. Christ started his earthly life in that straw-filled bin, but the story didn’t end there.
Isaiah 7:14 reminds us this holy event was foretold years before Jesus’ actual birth.
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
Galatians 4:4-5 anticipates the entire world being welcomed into the open arms of the child born this day.
“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.”
John 1:14 confirms Jesus as deity become flesh, as God come to live among us.
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Isaiah 9:6-7 names him our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”
1 Timothy 1:15-17 reveals Jesus as our salvation and our immortal, invisible King.
“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”
When the presents are unwrapped and the manger scene put away, let’s keep Jesus in our hearts and his love for the world out on display.
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