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.

Right after Jesus was born, angelic messengers were sent to make the first announcement of His birth to lowly shepherds out in the field. Shepherds were among the poorest people – and considered to be some of the lowest people on the rungs of society. They were often dirty, most likely did not smell very good, and were uneducated.

In spite of their clothes and rank in Jewish society, they were the first to hear the long awaited glad tidings of the heavenly messengers. The fact that God chose to make such an important announcement to seemingly insignificant shepherds sends a strong message to all. Their position in society did not matter and they would shortly be stepping into the presence of the King of kings.

These shepherds feared God and had a healthy respect for Him. When they saw the angel they were “sore afraid.” Because of this, the single angel’s first words were “Fear not.”

His glad tidings brought the announcement that the long awaited King had come – 700 years after Isaiah’s prophecy. The angel knew very well Who this Child was, and he called Him the Savior – and “Christ the Lord.”

The place where Christ lay – “lying in a manger“ – was a place that would likely make the shepherds feel right at home. Immediately after saying this, “a multitude of the heavenly host praising God,” appeared and gave praise to God.

Upon hearing the news, it thrilled their hearts that God was inviting them to see the One Who would one day rule over Israel – forever. It had been over 400 years since the last message was heard from Heaven – and to think – it was sent to lowly shepherds! After they saw the Babe in the manger, they went and spread the news to everyone that they could.

The message behind this event is that Christ did not come just to call the rich or famous. He did not even come to call the religious people. He also did not care whether they were dressed well, were educated, or had a good reputation. To “Christ the Lord,” it did not matter if they were looking like shepherds who often slept in the fields watching sheep.

Because “Christ the Lord” is much more than just a Babe in a manger, it is important to remember that He came to die for our sins. As the Savior, He desires that people come to Him as they are – with their sin. He is not interested in people getting polished in their own righteousness and changing their sinful habits first. He is the Healer of souls, and as such He once said: “They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Mark 2:17).

The Lord Jesus Christ invites all people to come to Him and be freed from sin, from the guilt of sin, and from the penalty of sin. It is a complete salvation. All anyone needs to do – no matter who they are or what they have done – is to call on the Lord Jesus Christ, tell Him that you need Him to become your only Savior and tell Him you want to serve Him – not yourself (“repentance”). Salvation is God’s Christmas present to mankind – but you must personally receive it.