“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.”
Matthew 1:18-25
For most of us Christmas is a special and almost magical time of year. Spending time with family, sharing memories of loved ones and our childhood, exchanging gifts and putting up decorations that turn our homes into winter wonderlands – truly Christmas is a season of joy, happiness, and full of heart.
I wonder though, have we ever thought what makes Christmas so special. I mean think about it – there is something in the air that just excites and lifts spirits. Now, I know that in the midst of all the joy-filled, enthusiastic Christmas lovers there are a few Scrooges who ba – humbug their way through the holiday. But I find that they are few and far between and that the majority of people share the same excitement and joy that permeates through the Christmas season.
This amazing spirit comes from the truth that Christmas is the time of year where Jesus is spoken of, sang of, and exalted throughout the majority of the world where Christians abide! So much praise and worship is focused on the Lord and it draws His presence into the midst of His people and our hearts are moved by Him! When God is in the midst of His people they experience life on a different plane! And in the midst of the Christmas season the hearts and minds of believers are turned toward the Lord and desiring the Lord in a special way.
Reading the Christmas story in Matthew’s gospel we find the beauty and wonder of the birth of our Savior. Throughout the texts of the Christmas story we see that the majority of those who hear of His birth are excited, inquisitive, and in awe of the Lord’s moving to make His Son known! It is in the midst of this powerful account we are shown that Jesus’ presence makes such an impact showing us that Jesus is the heart of Christmas.
Looking at the gospel of Matthew we see that powerful statement “they shall call his name Emmanuel” – Can you imagine for a moment the declaration that has been made! “God with us” – that is what Emmanuel means. It is no wonder that the Christmas season has such a special mood about it! No wonder the Christmas season is ushered in with glad tidings of great joy and that we are all swept away with the power of the Christmas season! When God comes into the midst of our hearts and takes up residence in our lives, there is great joy to be had for the believer!
We may talk about all the “things” of Christmas, or other “Characters” of Christmas who get a lot of attention. Children may not have all their motives just right (can you blame the little guys!) when it comes to their excitement of Christmas – but that does not change the fact that we are celebrating the birth of the King of kings and that King is Jesus!
God’s only begotten Son was in our midst and the world has never been the same! The excitement that radiated that first Christmas evening still stirs and moves around the truth of His birth even now! God allows the Christmas season to maintain its powerful heart so we will hear the glorious message and learn the heart of Christmas – Salvation through Emmanuel!
I think of all who heard the Christmas message the night of Jesus’ birth. Shepherds in the field heard of His birth and they were drawn to Him. Wise men in the East noticed a new star burning brightly in the night sky – believing its significance to be that of a mighty figure born into the world – they were drawn to Him, taking roughly two years to get to Christ. When we share the message of Jesus and His glorious birth, people are drawn to Him! We find all that came to Him worshipped Him!
This Christmas season let us share the heart of Christmas by sharing Christ!
Just as Jesus was in the midst of Mary and Joseph in the nativity scene – lets have Jesus in the midst of our homes and families.
Just as Jesus was exalted by the angels and others were drawn to Him and worshipped Him – let’s share Jesus with our neighbors and friends so they too can discover the heart of Christmas and worship Jesus as Savior also!