The Birth and Mission of Christ

The Birth and Mission of Christ: A Celebration of Hope

The Christmas season brings a unique opportunity to reflect on the profound significance of Jesus Christ’s birth. While we acknowledge that this is not the exact date of His birth, celebrate this significant event as often as I can. However, we must not get caught up in the pageantry and commercialization of the Christmas season. Also, please remember that it’s not your birthday.

The Birth of Christ

The prophecy from Isaiah 9:6 beautifully encapsulates the essence of Christ’s birth: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulders.” This verse highlights the dual nature of Jesus as both a humble child and a sovereign leader. His birth in a stable, surrounded by animals and shepherds, signifies the accessibility of God’s love for all people, regardless of social status or background.

The angels proclaimed His arrival to the shepherds, declaring it as “good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10). This joyful announcement emphasizes that Jesus came not only for the righteous but for the marginalized and the outcasts, embodying God’s inclusive love.

The Mission of Christ

The mission of Jesus extends far beyond His birth. He came to bring salvation, healing, and reconciliation to a broken world. His life and ministry were characterized by compassion, teaching, and miracles, revealing the nature of God and the Kingdom He came to establish.

In Luke 19:10, Jesus states, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” This mission is a call to all believers to follow in His footsteps, reaching out to those in need and sharing the message of hope and redemption.

A Time for Celebration

While December 25 may not mark the exact day of Christ’s birth, we celebrate His impact on humanity. The traditions of Christmas—gathering with loved ones, giving gifts, and serving others—can reflect the love and generosity that Jesus exemplified.

As we celebrate, let us remember that the essence of Christmas lies in acknowledging the gift of Christ and His mission. It is a time to reflect on the joy and hope that His birth brings, encouraging us to share that light with the world around us.

In conclusion, whether we celebrate on December 25 or any other day, the birth of Christ remains a pivotal moment in history, reminding us of God’s love and the promise of new beginnings. Let this season be a celebration of the hope that Jesus brings to our lives and to the world.

Prophecies of Christ’s Birth

1. Isaiah 7:14:
   1. “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
   1. This prophecy foretells the miraculous nature of Jesus’ birth.

• Micah 5:2:
  • “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from old, from ancient times.”
  • This verse predicts that the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem.

• Isaiah 9:6-7:
  • “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
  • This passage highlights the divine nature and the roles of the Messiah.

Accounts of Christ’s Birth

• Luke 1:26-38:
  • This passage describes the Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel visits Mary to announce that she will conceive Jesus by the Holy Spirit.

• Matthew 1:18-25:
  • This account details the birth of Jesus, including Joseph’s dream and the significance of naming Him Jesus, as He would save His people from their sins.

• Luke 2:1-7:
  • This scripture narrates the circumstances of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, including the journey of Mary and Joseph and the humble setting of His birth.

• Luke 2:8-14:
  • The announcement of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds by angels, proclaiming “good news of great joy.”

• Matthew 2:1-12:
  • The visit of the Magi, who follow a star to find the newborn King, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Significance of His Birth

• John 1:14:
  • “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
  • This verse emphasizes the incarnation of Christ and His divine nature.

1. Galatians 4:4-5:
   1. “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.”
   1. This passage highlights the purpose of Jesus’ birth in God’s redemptive plan.

These scriptures collectively illustrate the prophetic anticipation of Christ’s birth and the significance of His arrival as the Savior of the world.  

We wish you a blessed and glorious Christmas and Hanukkah!