When Jesus Christ was born, the world had many misconceptions of the nature of God – and they still persist. Various religions taught various views about God: some had gods that were harsh and cruel, or vengeful, or warlike, or even indifferent. Some had a God that was very legalistic – but very few understood that God loved man and wanted to fellowship with him.

God wanted people to see Him for Who He really is – and He sent Jesus as a Gift to show us what God is like. After living among us for 33 years, He would fulfill His purpose when He died on the Cross to show us God’s ultimate love for the people of the world in all ages. This was declared in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

It is worthy of note to see what various people and angels said about the One in the manger (before and after the event):

• Elizabeth said: “And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:43).
• The angel told Mary before her conception: “And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” The angel also told her in verse 35: “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God“ (Luke 1:31-33).
• The angel told the shepherds, in Luke 2:10-12: “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. ”
• Notice what Zecharias prophesied about his son John the Baptist, in Luke 1:76-78: “And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins.”
• Simeon, who had looked for the Messiah all his long life, said to Mary and Joseph in the Temple when he saw them: “For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel” (Luke 2:30-32).
• The angel told Joseph in a dream, in Matthew 1:20-21: “Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
• Also, note Who the Bible says this special Son of Mary really is, in Matthew 1:23 (which is a repeat of Isaiah 7:14): “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
• Note also what God told the angels about the One in the cradle: “when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him“ (Hebrews 1:6).

Christmas is certainly a time of rejoicing because of what God has done for us. It is especially so for those who already know Him personally as their Savior. They can rejoice that Heaven will be their Home for sure; now that is something to get excited about!

Is He your Savior today? I hope and pray that He is – or will be today. Follow the link to learn more about Christ and salvation.

In addition to the various prophecies of Christ’s birth already looked at on this blog, another very important one needs to be considered this Christmas season. The above verse reveals several glorious characteristics of the coming Messiah and Savior.

The first phrase in the verse is certainly unique. It says: “a child is born, unto us a son is given.” Notice that the Child is born: this speaks of Christ’s humanity. His human nature was born of Mary in a stable and then laid in a manger. The human body that Christ wore on Earth had a beginning – it began in Mary when she conceived.

After that phrase, it says: “a son is given.” Notice that the son was not born, but He was “given.” The phrase points to His Divinity and eternal existence. An eternal Deity cannot be born since He always was and always will be.

The first verse in the Gospel of John confirms this part of Isaiah 9:6 when it says: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Then, it is understood that the Word is speaking of Jesus when, just a few verses later, it says: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). The One Who was with God in the beginning became flesh – and His character and life revealed that He was truly God.

This truth is then followed by another one: “the government shall be upon his shoulder.” The phrase is a clear reference to the One the Jews were waiting for – a son (descendant) of David that God promised would one day rule forever. And once He comes, He will sit on the throne of David, and of “peace there shall be no end.”

Then there are the names that this “Son” would bear when He comes. The verse says that He shall be called: “Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” The first two names may not sound particularly Divine, but the last three are undoubtedly names that belong only to God. When all five names are considered together, it means that the One born in Bethlehem is without doubt – God. Remember that it was God that inspired the words of Scripture, and God would not allow anyone else to bear these names – unless He were God!

If God came to earth any other way, many people would be afraid to approach Him. But God, willing to humble Himself that He might draw as many as possible to Himself, was willing to take on flesh as a little Baby.

Afterwards, He fulfilled His purpose of dying on the Cross for your sins and mine. He paid your debt of sin and mine. He did not have to do it. That is love beyond comprehension! By His death and resurrection, Jesus Christ opened a door that was not open before.

re not yet saved, today is a good day for it. Why not make today the day that you receive Christ as your Savior and get your sins forgiven and receive everlasting life? Do not push Him away any longer. He is more than willing to save you.

Although commonly seen in most manger scenes, according to the Bible, the wise men were never at the manger where the baby Jesus lay. Instead, they came about two years later when Jesus was called “a young child” and was living in “a house.”

Another popular misconception is that there were three wise men – usually based on the three gifts the Bible mentions – “gold, and frankincense, and myrrh” (Mt. 2:11). It is quite possible that many – or each of the wise men – offered gold, because it was always welcome. Besides, what better gift could you give a king?

It seems that these wise men – and they are rightly so-called – may have known more about Christ than they are thought to know. It is doubtful that they were Jews, and they had likely come from a considerable distance. No town or country is mentioned – but somehow they knew of the coming of the Savior.

It is possible they learned of Christ from the many Jews that stayed behind in Babylon when they were freed to go back to Israel. Some of those that stayed behind were no doubt instructors of the Bible to those that would listen; but after Babylon was destroyed – they were scattered far and wide.

The three gifts that were offered to Jesus were “gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” Whether or not the wise men knew of their application to Jesus is uncertain, but they are significant and worthy of note. Bible scholars believe that the gold possibly represented Christ’s Kingship; He is the King of kings. Frankincense is known for its very pleasant fragrance and speaks of Christ’s fragrance of life and His current ministry of intercession.

Myrrh is mentioned three times in the Gospels and each time it is a reference to death. When on the Cross, Christ was offered vinegar (also called “wine” in some places) with myrrh. Myrrh is a bitter tasting spice, and is called “gall” in Mt. 27:34. The other reference to myrrh in the New Testament is when Christ was to be buried: Nicodemus brought “myrrh and aloes” to wrap in the cloths to prepare Christ’s body for burial.

All three of these gifts sum up several characteristics of the Lord Jesus. Although He certainly was a King (Pilate put it on a sign above Christ’s Head), and His life was constantly very fragrant to men and God because He was always doing good, yet Christ’s life cannot be separated from the myrrh – the bitterness of death. Thank God, though, that He rose again!

Christ left the glories of Heaven and He came to die for you and me. His death has benefited millions in the 2,000 years since His death. Many today know Him personally as their Lord and Savior. Will you receive the benefit of His death and resurrection by calling on Him today to save you? He is waiting for your call: “Behold, I stand at the door” (of your heart) “and knock.” Will you answer the door today? He is the greatest Gift anyone could ever have this Christmas season!