One of the things that probably doesn’t get a lot of airtime is that at Christmas Christians celebrate not only Jesus’ birthday but more specifically the day that God himself became human.
Matthew, in his account, introduces the baby Jesus as the prophesied Immanuel, which means God with us. (Matthew’s account, chapter 1, verse 23)
Jesus’ mate John, in a more poetic way, introduces Jesus this way:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
(John’s account, chapter 1, verses 1 & 14)
If Jesus was God, then think what the Christmas story says about God.
Firstly you get the idea that God actually decided to become human. Limit himself to a certain degree. Live in our surroundings.
I think whatever your opinion of God, it probably sees God as greater than us and living an existance that’s better than ours. Why would you give up so many benefits of being God to try being human for a while?
Then you’ve got the idea that God, when he chooses to become human, is willing to be born not into nobility, but into a family without a shred of political, economic or social power. Mary and Joseph are described as faithful Jews, but they’re from a tiny if not backward town in Israel and Joseph is just an ordinary carpenter.
God could have come with a million angels, on a rainbow, with great parades, as a great leader or warrior… But he chooses to enter the world as a vulnerable baby.
It’s unbelievable. Whatever your opinion of God or the opinions people held of God back then, such a low key entrance like this is inconceivable.
At Jesus’ birth you see a God that chose to be one of us and to live a life like us. He doesn’t need rich and powerful parents or an elaborate entrance into the world to stroke his ego or prove he’s God. He’s completely humble and at peace with who he is and what he wants to do. He doesn’t need to flaunt or even enforce his power or greatness.
The Christmas accounts are a great introduction to what God is like. What he thinks is important, who he wants to be known as? They’re also a great chance to see how others reacted to God and consider how you react to God yourself. Why not read the historical accounts this Christmas?
Luke 1:1- 2:20
Matthew 1:18-2:23