It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
When we think of Christmas, many of us are filled with anticipation. It can be a joyful time, with good food, family, and holidays to provide rest from the year that was. But it also, can be busy. Making preparations for the day, we get caught up in seeking the “perfect Christmas”. As a parent, I certainly appreciate that desire!
But Christmas is much more than that.
Jesus is the reason for the season. For us Christians, the Christmas period serves as a reminder of God’s goodness to us. His gracious gift of Himself, Jesus Christ His Son – God with us.
When we think of the Christmas story, we often recall what is typically illustrated in children’s books and the nativity scenes that decorate our homes.
Most of our nativity knowledge comes from Luke 2. In the text, we find Jesus is born in Bethlehem, where He was wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in the manger.
Nearby, an angel and the heavenly host appear before shepherds, advising of the Messiah’s birth and praising God:
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Luke 2:14 ESV.
But where are the Magi or wise men?
These characters aren’t found in Luke’s account; rather, their introduction can be found in Matthew 2. And while these men do not appear directly on the scene at Jesus’ birth, they are a staple for nativity scenes and all children’s books.
It seems to be such a peaceful evening. Isaiah certainly paints that picture, indicating that the foretold child would usher in peace:
“For to us a child is born,
Isaiah 9:6-7a ESV.
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.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end”.
But an element often forgotten in the story can be found in Revelation; the prophetic book written by the Apostle John. It is rather surreal, highlighting the depths of God’s desire to restore humanity.
“And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pains and the agony of giving birth. And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems. His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it. She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron… Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.”
Revelation 12:1-5, 7-9 ESV.
The scene seems far from peaceful. At the birth of Jesus, all of Heaven is at war. It broadens our understanding of who Jesus is and what He came for. It shows the depth of God’s work to restore us. He literally went to war for humanity.
And not only did He fight for us, He ultimately gave His life for us at Calvary. And that is the beauty that we remember and honour at Christmas. God laying down His own life to be a ransom for us.
What is a ransom?
It is an act of redemption: of giving oneself wholly in exchange for another. It is the price for salvation, of freedom. Jesus “gave himself as a ransom for all” (2 Timothy 2:6).
This Christmas, as we spend time together, let us remember the reason for the season. Let us remember how valuable we are to God and the depths He went in seeking our restoration. And as we reflect, may our hearts overflow with praise for His goodness.
God bless.
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