The First Christmas

It’s comforting for us today to remember who was involved in that first Christmas over 2000 years ago. Of course Mary and Joseph were there; the earthly parents of Jesus. They had no great amount of money that could afford them a room in a luxurious inn. Therefore, Jesus was born in a manger with hay as His bed and swaddling clothes as His adornment. This fact is important for us today. Why? It reminds us that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords comes to all who will receive Him no matter social standing. Shepherds came that night when Jesus was born. They were among the poor. Once again, we see that Jesus came to live among those impoverished or living below standards of the day.

It’s also comforting to remember that when Jesus was a toddler, kings from the east, wise men, came to see Him. They recognized Him as King of all kings and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Yet again, we see that Jesus receives all who come to Him. The poor may come; the rich may come. This Christmas the words of John 3:16 ring loud and clear, For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (NIV).

Jesus was born into much turmoil. The Jewish nation was taken over by Rome who persecuted them and overtaxed them, making their daily lives difficult — but Jesus came. He brings peace to troubled minds, comfort to broken hearts, courage to the downtrodden. As we celebrate Christmas this year, the times we live in today are also filled with great difficulty. There are wars in the Middle East, and other places of the world are nearly drowning in skirmishes. Inflation makes purchasing food a challenge for many, as well as paying for heating homes. Parents despair over school fees and every tax season is a calamity to many.

Jesus came in the midst of conflict and world troubles the first time. He will come the second time into even greater discord — but He will come. When He does, the world will know peace as it has never known before. Until then, as we celebrate Christmas, let us thank God for His gift of salvation offered to all who receive His Son. For whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13 NKJV).

There is no greater gift to receive this Christmas or any day of the year than forgiveness of everything we have ever done, and the promise of eternal life with Jesus where no tears or sorrow exists. Wishing you all a blessed and very merry Christmas. I hope you know Jesus.