Hello friends -- I hope everyone is well.
It’s been several years ago now, but one spring Saturday before Easter I couldn’t help but smile as I sat down to eat my lunch. We were out of napkins and paper towels, so my husband had pulled out some left over Christmas napkins for us to use. At first, I thought it a little odd to be using Christmas napkins at Easter time. But then I thought, why not?
So here I was contemplating the birth, life, death and
resurrection of Jesus at the same time. First, lest I be
misunderstood by anyone - I realize we do not know exactly when Christ was
born. I also realize scholars say it most likely was not in December.
Really though, can we think of one part of His life
without acknowledging the other? I've heard some say His birth is not
important - that the gospel centers around His death, burial and resurrection.
That is true. His mission on earth was to die for our sins.
However, God must have thought the birth of His only begotten Son
was important indeed. It was prophesied about hundreds of years before He was
born. Isaiah 7:14 is the prophecy He would be born of a
virgin and His name would be called Immanuel. It is Isaiah 9:6 which tells us “For to us a
child is born, to us a son is given; and
the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
An angel heralded His
birth to shepherds in the field guarding their sheep by night. After the angel spoke to them a multitude of
the heavenly host praised God saying ”Glory to God in the highest, and on earth
peace among those with whom He is pleased.”
The birth of this
baby was met with great joy by Simeon and Anna the prophetess, both of whom lived or served at the
temple. They rejoiced over seeing the Messiah! God kept his promise that they would see Him
before they passed from this life.
We read about His promised birth in the Bible. His
mission was to teach others about His Father.
The gospels give us the record of His life. He was the greatest example of love, compassion, and forgiveness.
Then we read about His death for our sins on a cruel cross. We learn about His burial and His glorious resurrection. Our hope is in Him. Our faith rests in Him. And our love for Him grows as we learn more
about Him every day.
We should remember every stage of the gospel story – which actually begins with the first
Messianic prophecy in Genesis 3 and continues throughout the Bible.
The birth of Christ is the beginning of a wondrous story of
hope. His death, burial and resurrection
give us assurance of the love of God.
Christ above all things - Robin
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