The birth of Jesus as recorded in Matthew and Luke fulfilled many of the promises given to David, Abraham, and other prophets long ago. You can see elements of the Old Testament throughout the story. Matthew even tells us directly, "So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 'Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,' which is translated, 'God with us'" (Matt. 1:22-23).
When Christ came, the
people of Israel had not heard a word from the Lord in centuries. In fact, the
last book of the Old Testament, Malachi, was written around 440-400 B.C. The
people were longing to hear from God, waiting for Him to fulfill His promises. And then Christ was born and everything changed.
When I give it some thought, I am taken back by the truth that everything indeed did change at the birth of Jesus. As He lived and grew, He soon took on the purpose for which He was born—to die on the cross for us, for our forgiveness. What a Savior!
So, as you gather around the Christmas tree this morning, remember the real meaning of Christmas and worship the Savior who was born that first Christmas morning. Amen.
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