As it approaches Christmas, we all have the opportunity to consider what this time of year is all about. Many of us, whether we have ever been to church or not, or consider ourselves a christian or not, have probably heard something of the nativity, or the Christmas story. The odd and complex story of a baby, some wise men, shepherds, animals, angels and something about a star. Yet, what was all of that really about?
It was a pretty grand experience if you think about it. How many babies are greeted on Earth in the same way?
This baby must have been special, all babies are, but this baby, born over 2,000 years ago and still talked about today - surely that is significant, but why?
Babies are weak, helpless, vulnerable, dependent and messy. So why celebrate above the norm about this child, born in unusual, chaotic circumstances, under a bright star, welcomed by shepherds, angels and wise men? Well, those things for a start show that this child is different! How many baby’s do you know that were born with such a lot going on? Not only this, but this baby was expected. He was awaited for centuries. Before this baby was born, Isaiah, a well-renowned prophet wrote over 700 years before this baby was born, ‘Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel’.
This was the baby that we celebrate being born that night in a hidden corner of Bethlehem amongst the mess and chaos. Over hundreds of years other prophets have foretold the birth of this baby, and they all match up to point to this baby, this child.
We can read the account of this birth in Luke 2:1-14;
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. *2*This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. *3*And all went to be registered, each to his own town. *4*And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, *5*to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. *6*And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. *7*And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
*8*And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. *9*And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. *10*And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. *11*For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. *12*And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” *13*And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
*14* “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
This is the brith of the expected child, the Immanuel. Immanuel means God with us, and what is is significant and important about the birth of this baby is that he is the son of God. God was incarnated - put on flesh - became human to become Immanuel - God with us, God dwelling with us. As John in his gospel puts it - 'the Word became flesh and lived among us’.
This baby born in an unknown place in the midst of busy town was not an ordinary baby. He was also God. That is what makes this child so special. God; almighty, powerful, creator, dependable, majestic, gigantic God became a weak, vulnerable, messy, adorable, small, helpless baby. He swapped his divinity and strength as the limitless son of God to become dependent and vulnerable in limited human form.
This is why christians celebrate Christmas! It is about the incarnation - God putting on flesh, becoming human in all it’s limitations. To be Immanuel - God being with us and dwelling with us. It is not just that God became human - He did not come to us as a fully formed and functioning human being, but he came as an incapable, vulnerable, dependent baby. The sin of God gave up all the luxury, riches, power and responsibility to become a helpless, lowly, dependent baby not even in control of his own bodily functions. The almighty creator God put himself in the hands of his created ones - he truly gave up all his majesty to be birthed in those conditions.
Why would God do that?
Why would the God of the universe, creator of all things, all-knowing, all-powerful, choose to give up all his deity, power and influence to become a dependent, messy baby?
He did it so that;
- He could identify with you and I. He became human so that he knew the limiting factors of being so. He had to; learn, develop, grow, navigate relationships and puberty as well as experience emotions, triumph, temptations and trauma just like the rest of us.
- As Jesus identified with us, he he also demonstrated how we too could live a God-honouring life. As he was fully God and fully man, Jesus could show how to live really giving God the glory. He is a great role model through the way he lived, spoke, taught, acted as well as how he suffered and died.
- Jesus died, after being cruelly tortured and killed to be our salvation. This is why when he was born he was referred to as a ‘saviour’. Jesus life was intended from the beginning to save us. He died for every wrong you and I have ever committed, he paid the cost of the guilt and shame and separation this brings between us and God - Jesus could be the only one to bridge the gap because he is God and man, and so he obediently did it.
- Ultimately, Jesus did all of this to express God’s love for us. He could only do it properly by becoming a man - how would we relate or understand otherwise? Jesus gave up all of his divine power, knowledge and capabilities to become a limited, frail, vulnerable baby in order to show you and I how much he loves us.
That is the reality of the incarnation, or what Jesus being Immanuel is and what Christmas is all about. The God of the universe limited himself to the life of a baby to rescue you, restore you and remain with you all your days. Is it any wonder that christians get excited at this time of year?! It is a chance to celebrate and be grateful for the reality of who God is and ti celebrate his love for us all.
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