Christmas Day is a special time of the year. This Holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus. Over the years, Christmas has become a commercial activity in most nations as compared to a religious celebration. The business side of Christmas has been found to bring lots of interest and revenue. Even unbelieving nations have found ways to make the Christmas celebration beneficial to their economy. From mega Christmas decorations, excessive lighting, food, drinks, gifts, Christmas is celebrated with pomp and glamour.
The celebration of Christmas goes beyond business and personal gains. When the first announcement of the birth of Jesus was made several years ago, the message was clear. Mary and Joseph after a tedious journey to Bethlehem welcomed their firstborn son in the most unusual location. According to the gospel, Mary gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. (Luke 2:7). There was no pomp, no celebration, no proper lodging to even lay the baby. Yet, as the young couple cuddled their baby in the stable, Heaven had a mega praise party. The celebration was so huge that Heaven couldn't contain it.
Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:11-12)
That same night, there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night (Luke 2:8). These shepherds received the most unlikely visitor: “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:9-12). As if that message was not enough, “suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.” (Luke 2:13-14).
The announcement of the birth of the Messiah left the shepherds in awe. When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” (Luke 2:15). Without delay, “they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child (Luke 2:16-17).
The celebration of Christmas is the celebration of the birth of the Messiah. Although born in lowly conditions, Jesus lived and paid the ransom for humanity. He paid the debt of the entire world so humanity will be free from sin. As he laid in the manger, Mary, Joseph and the shepherds saw the Saviour laid in a feeding trough but in reality, the Messiah laid in a King's bed preparing for His ultimate redemption of humanity. We are no longer slaves to sin because from the manger to the cross, our debts were paid. We are free indeed!
Merry Christmas and a Blessed New year!
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