Every December, the world pauses, some with joy, others with disgust, to tell a story that divides history. We call it Christmas, but Heaven calls it Rescue Day.
In that Bethlehem stable, eternity stepped into time, majesty into the manger, and divinity into humanity.
The Creator became part of His creation.
Infinity has become an infant.
Infinity has become an infant.
The Almighty has become approachable.
The Word became flesh and moved into our neighborhoods.
As CS Lewis said, “The Son of God became human so that humans could become sons of God.” That’s the real Christmas story. It’s not just that a baby has been born, it’s that God has arrived.
Miracle in the manger
Napoleon Bonaparte was once asked if he thought Jesus was just a great man. “I know about humans,” he answered, “but Jesus Christ is not just a man. There is no comparison between him and every other person in the world.”
He was right.
Caesar had an army, but Jesus had angels.
Caesar built an empire through power. Jesus built his kingdom through love.
Caesar could make people tremble. Jesus makes the heart sing.
Bethlehem was not an afterthought, but the coming of the Almighty.
The Star Maker fell asleep beneath them.
The bread of life was placed in a feeding trough.
The one who brought the universe into existence could only gurgle and cry.
God is not waiting for us to come up to Him.
Christmas reminds us that God does not wait for us to come up to Him, but comes down to us.
God approaches
There is an old story about a farmer sitting by the fire one freezing night while a blizzard was raging outside. He noticed a flock of small birds frantically flapping toward the window, seeking shelter. He opened the barn door, spread some hay, and tried to calm them down and let them in, but the birds were too scared. He thought that if I could be a part of them, they would understand that I was trying to save them.
And at that moment he thought: That’s exactly what God did at Christmas. It’s Christmas:
God wearing skin.
A God who did not shout love from heaven, but showed love on earth.
In Jesus, God came close enough to touch, cry, and shed blood. Close enough to be rescued.
He became one of us so that we could be one with Him.
Don’t miss a message
The tragedy is that many people miss it.
Some people deny this story. “It’s just a myth,” he says, “It’s like Santa wearing sandals.”
Some people bluntly say, “I’ve heard it all before. I was a donkey at the school nativity.”
Some people twist it and turn Christmas into a campaign, a culture, or a cozy tradition.
Even more people disguise it, burying it under tinsel, turkeys and televisions.
Wrapping is temporary, but gifts are eternal.
However, don’t confuse wrapping with gifts. Wrapping is temporary, but gifts are eternal.
The real gift of Christmas is not things but people, and those people are God himself.
The wonder that changes everything
The Apostle Paul expressed it perfectly in Philippians 2:6-11 (NIV).
Even though he was God, he did not think that equality with God was something he was attached to. In return, he gave up his sacred privileges. He assumed the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal death on the cross. Therefore, God exalted him to a position of highest honor and gave him a name that is above all other names. For at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The cradle leads to the cross, and the cross leads to the crown. Christmas without a cross is like a jigsaw puzzle with the center missing.
The baby grew up to take on our sins, fill the gap, and bring us home.
Bethlehem refers to the cross, and the cross opens the door to heaven.
Bethlehem refers to the cross, and the cross opens the door to heaven.
There are two invitations for Christmas this year.
First, go deep. This Christmas, instead of just skimming through the stories, try immersing yourself in them. Remember Philippians 2:6-11. Let that truth humble you, move you, and fill you with wonder.
Next, it’s personal. Make it the truth that you live, not just what you hear. Ask yourself. Has heaven descended upon me?
christmas prayer
Lord Jesus, calm my heart amidst the noise and hustle and bustle this Christmas. Help us to look beyond the lights and lists and see the light of the world that has stepped into our darkness.
Thank you for leaving heaven to find us, for trading your dignity for the manger, for giving up your crown to take on our humanity.
You did not come to go away, but to draw near. Don’t blame, forgive.
Come again, Lord Jesus.
Lord Jesus, come again, come not only to the world but also to me. This Christmas, please be born again in my life and heart. Fill me with your peace, your presence, and your purpose. Amen.
Originally published by Philo Trust. Republished with permission.
J. John is an evangelist, pastor, speaker, broadcaster, and author. He has been in ministry for 40 years. He spoke in towns, cities, and universities in 69 countries, and in 1982 founded the Philo Trust, which organizes various evangelistic services. J. John’s weekly podcast, “The J. John Podcast,” features a variety of interviews with Christians from all walks of life and talks by J. John. Click here to listen. J.John’s books can be ordered through jjohn.com or other online bookstores or brick-and-mortar stores.
The Philo Trust was founded in 1982 by J. John with the purpose of organizing evangelistic events and projects, equipping Christians to share their faith spontaneously, coaching evangelists, and producing books and resources to help people in their faith journeys.
