Where does one begin to tell the Christmas story? It has so many parts that contribute to the whole. Most begin with the baby Jesus in a manger, and over look the preparation for the good news event that occurred in Bethlehem. There are in fact multiple messages to the whole story of Christmas. That is why during Advent we hear the stories of the Old Testament prophets foretelling God’s promise of a coming Messiah. Then the New Testament gospels tell us of how that promise was fulfilled.
In Matthew’s gospel we read of the Angel’s visit to Mary, and then Joseph offering news of what is to take place. From Luke’s gospel we learn about the difficult journey of Joseph and Mary riding on a donkey, traveling to Bethlehem for the census. Upon their arrival, weary and in need of a place to stay, there was no room available anywhere. But through the kindness of an inn keeper, they were given shelter in a stable. Thus this humble dwelling became the place of the birth of the one whose life would transform the world forever.
Another part of the story describes a hillside where shepherds were watching their flocks. But a quiet night was transformed by a spectacular announcement by another of God’s messengers. Jesus’ birth was first proclaimed by a “heavenly host” along with an invitation to “go and see.” So the shepherds responded as privileged guests to witness the miracle of that first Christmas.
The story includes a star, but not just any star. No doubt the heavens revealed many stars on that clear night. One star brightly lighted the sky, and became the compass that led the Magi to the promised Messiah. Those wise men of old visited the child, bearing gifts for a king.
Usually the entire Christmas story comes to life through dramatic portrayals of each of these important events. No matter whether we read it for ourselves from the gospels of Mathew and Luke, hear it read and preached, sing about it through carols, or witness it through drama enactment, the whole story warms and nourishes our hearts and lifts our spirits. What makes this story so special is knowing that this is God’s story for all humankind, for all time.
And this is the rest of the story. We must not overlook two central proclamations from John’s gospel: “The Word became flesh and lived among us, full of grace and truth. And we have witnessed his glory...” (John. 1:14) He also described the heart of Christmas love this way: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him shall never die, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
It is little wonder that Christmas people sing “joy to the world, the Lord is come!” As we hear and accept His story, we discover the whole story of Christmas. God is with us! May the whole story of Christmas remind us of how God continues to offer us Emmanuel for each and every day.
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