The Miracle of Christmas: Jesus Born in a Manger
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On Christmas Eve, we reflect on the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. The story begins with Mary, a young virgin, engaged to Joseph. One day, the angel Gabriel appeared to her with a life-changing message:
“Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest” (Luke 1:30–32, KJV).
Mary and Joseph traveled from Galilee (Northern Israel) to Bethlehem in Judah near Jerusalem because of a decree from Caesar Augustus that all should return to their ancestral towns for a tax. Though Mary was heavily pregnant, there was no room for them in the inn. In the quiet of a humble stable, Mary gave birth to Jesus, and He was laid in a manger.
This humble setting was fitting for the King who came not to be served but to serve and give His life for humanity.
The Magi and Their Journey
Far to the east, wise men, often called the Magi or three kings, saw a bright star in the sky. They knew this star signified the birth of the King of the Jews. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, each representing Jesus’ identity:
Gold for His kingship,
Frankincense for His divinity,
Myrrh as a symbol of His future sacrifice.
Guided by the star, they arrived in Bethlehem to worship Jesus. “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy” (Matthew 2:10, KJV).
Luke 2:7 KJV “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”
Herod’s Evil Decree
King Herod, hearing of the birth of this new “King,” was troubled. He deceitfully asked the Magi to return with news of the child so he could “worship” Him. But God warned the wise men in a dream not to return to Herod. Enraged, Herod ordered the massacre of all male children under two years old in Bethlehem. This fulfilled the prophecy in Jeremiah 31:15 KJV: “A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rachel weeping for her children refused to be comforted, because they were not.”
Luke mentions that Joseph, Mary and Jesus leave Bethlehem eight days after his birth and travel to Jerusalem and then to Nazareth. Joseph, on the eighth day after Mary gave birth, took the family to Jerusalem so that the Lord would be circumcised according to the law of God (Luke 2:21 KJV).
The Meaning of His Birth
The birth of Jesus was a divine intervention in human history. It showed God’s love for us, sending His Son to redeem the world. His birth was not marked by earthly riches but by humility, obedience, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. Later, the crucifixion of Jesus reconciled mankind to God and gave forgiveness of sins with remittance. In addition Jesus gave protection from eternal condemnation by evil spirits for those who believed in him.
Romans 8:1 KJV “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
As we sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King,” let us remember that Jesus’ birth offers hope, joy, and salvation to all who believe.
Christmas Playlist on YouTube. I do not earn money from this list. Just sharing. # 2024 Merry Christmas Playlist
Reflective Question:
How can the story of Jesus’ birth inspire you to trust God’s plan for your life, even in difficult circumstances?
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Disclosure Graphic link below is YouTube Playlist. There is no charge and the channel is not monetized.
CALL TO SALVATION:
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.”
Romans 10:9-10 9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.
John 3:5-6 5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is the Spirit.
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