12 Days of Christmas 2017 - Day 5: [Guest Post] The Power of the Christmas Story

12:00 AM Kaitlyn 0 Comments

The Christmas story – I’m sure you have all heard it plenty of times. Mary and Joseph head off to Bethlehem, baby Jesus is born in stable, shepherds hear the news via some angels and wise men from afar follow a star to see the baby. But how many times when we read or re-read the Christmas story do we remember how radically Jesus’s birth changed the world? Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, was born as a baby in the forgotten town of Bethlehem. He didn’t come for power, prestige or popularity. In fact, we despised and completely rejected him (Isaiah 53:3). We scorned the very Lord and King who would sacrifice his perfect life to save sinners. Placed in a manger thousands of years ago was the Saviour who came to save you and I. Tell me that isn’t amazing!

And, it is not just Christ’s sacrifice that is astounding – every single detail of his birth was perfectly orchestrated together to fulfill all the prophecies in the Old Testament. For example, 700 years before, Micah prophesied that the Saviour would been born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). How would Jesus be born in Bethlehem if Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth? God simply directed Caesar Augustus to issue a decree that a census be taken. I am sure that the arrogant Roman emperor never imagined he was an instrument in the hands of God. Every single messianic prophecy from Genesis to Malachi was flawlessly fulfilled at Jesus’ birth. The entire Old Testament points to and foreshadows Jesus’ birth and sacrifice.

Christmas is a wonderful time full of season’s greetings and Christmas lights but is it not meant to be a wonderful reminder of Christ’s birth and more importantly his sacrifice? The Christmas story is so much more than a cute children’s story. It is the remarkable story of the Son of God being born on earth. However, the Christmas story should not just stop at Jesus’ birth.

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst (1 Timothy 1:15).

Christ’s birth radically changed the world. Christ was not a moral teacher who was condemned by local authorities, he was the Son of God who he willingly laid down his life as a sacrifice for sinners. His birth, life and death changed the world. The Thessalonians cried about Paul and Silas,

These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also! (Acts 17:6)

They were so right! Christ and the gospel completely turned the world upside down!

So next, time you hear the Christmas story, remember how amazing and astounding it really was! God did the unthinkable! He sent his only son to earth to save unworthy sinners. It is just so mind-blowing! In all busyness of the Christmas holidays never forget Christ’s birth. The Christmas story is radical, astounding and life-changing!

Leanne Zuiderveen is an avid reader, amateur photographer, occasional blogger, and a true Canadian! She loves a white Christmas, lots of hot chocolate and tea, and a warm fire to snuggle by. She finds strength and hope in Christ and he has never let her down! Her dream would be to travel the world with her friends or family. In the meantime, she will continue to conquer the piles of homework that keep appearing before her tired eyes. But hey! Christmas is only days away!