And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger because there was no lodging available for them—Luke 2:16-17.

Rejoice today!

Joseph and Mary traveled about ninety miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem. The decree of Caesar Augustus was urgent, so Joseph took Mary on that long trip to his native Bethlehem, the hometown of King David (Lk. 2:1-3). How could they remain in Nazareth when the baby Mary was carrying was to be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2)? Unfortunately, the couple from Nazareth did not find accommodation anywhere, so they took refuge in a sheep pen. 

Luke tells us that while Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem, the time came for Mary to deliver. She gave birth to her firstborn Son, wrapped him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger (4-7). 

Enter the stable in which Jesus was born for a minute. See Him lying in a manger—a low estate to accommodate Him. Who would guess He is the Creator of the entire universe? 

No one could find a hint of wealth about Him, no halo on His head to suggest a heavenly origin, and no cherubs kneeling beside the manger, as some paintings depict the nativity scene. As Isaiah said, He had no beauty or majesty to attract anyone to him, nothing in His appearance that anyone would desire (Isa. 53:2). Yet, He was called Immanuel, which means God with us (7:14). 

The child in the manger did not look powerful by any stretch of the imagination. There was no pomp and pageantry around Him but a few bleating sheep to witness His birth. Even Bethlehem did not know of His birth and presence within her—yet He was God in human flesh, come to His own. Is that not how we celebrate Christmas sometimes—multiple activities without giving the Savior a proper place in our hearts?

As you celebrate His birth today, you should not forget His condescension and humility—how He emptied Himself of all His prerogatives as God and put on human flesh to serve you who needed a Savior. 

The announcing angel to the shepherds said He is Savior, Messiah, and Lord, the expression of His mission, royalty, and authority (Lk. 2:11). Read His credentials in Isaiah 9:6-7, then listen to the angelic choir praising God about His birth in the narrative of Luke:    

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to men on whom His favor rests” (Lk. 2:14).

That is the essence of Christmas. It is about the Savior’s birth that brings glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to on earth to those with whom He is pleased. As you celebrate Him today, sing a hymn of praise with the angelic choir to God who has made it all possible for your salvation. Give glory to Him in the highest heaven and receive His peace in your life. 

Merry Christmas!