WEDNESDAY December 4, 2024

The Story of Christmas

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.”
Micah 5:2

The prophet Micah, with pinpoint accuracy, named the very place Jesus would be born––Bethlehem. He spoke about Jesus’ birth 700 years before it happened. God revealed the location to him. Once again, we see the references to Jesus’ deity––whose origins are in the distant past, [everlasting] will come from you on my behalf (Micah 5:2 NLT). Psalm 90:2 speaks of His eternal existence: ...from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.

This one verse from the book of Micah was used to tell God’s people that God was sending His Son to them. The prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus was born among His people. It is hard to believe that many of God’s people did not realize the place of His birth. Although written in Scripture, they completely missed it.

As Christians, we have embraced the story of Christmas, but to many people, it remains hidden. There are ways we can share Christ with our neighbors, friends and families. Why not display a Nativity scene in your homes or yards? Christmas trees can be decorated by using Nativity- themed decorations. Gifts can be wrapped in paper that portrays a Christian message of joy, peace, hope and love.

When families get together during Christmas time, it is good to read the account of Christ’s birth from the Bible. This will make for a Christ- centered Christmas filled with love and joy. Your children will grow up understanding, not only the miraculous events of Christ’s birth, but also the reason why God sent His Only Begotten Son––to save them and deliver them from the penalty of sin.

Where in the Bible do we find the Christmas story? It is found in the opening chapters of the book of Luke. May the Lord fill your heart once more with joy and awe while reading the story of Christmas.

The story of Christmas is the story of God’s relentless love for us.
~Max Lucado~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!