For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him ~ John 3:16,17

 

The real Christmas story is the story of God’s becoming a human being in the Person of Jesus Christ. Why did he? Because of his incredible love!

 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ~ John 1:1.

 

John begins his gospel with a concept familiar to both his Jewish and Greek audiences by introducing his readers to the true Logos of God in Jesus Christ; the Living Word, fully God and fully man, who’s purpose in coming was to reveal God to humankind and redeem all who believe in him from their sinful condition.

 

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel

(which means, God with us) ~ Matthew 1:23.

 

The above quote is from Isaiah 7:14 (recorded hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus) “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

 

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 ~ Luke 2:7.

 

So what were swaddling cloths and why did Luke (a physician) include this detail in his narrative? They represent maternal care, being wanted and prepared for, not a hasty afterthought. This wrapping or “swaddling” of an infant tightly in strips of cloth had been thought through in advance by his parents. It was believed to help in the baby’s transition from the mother’s womb to the outside world.

 

Some form of swaddling cloths are used by many cultures still today. This practice has proven to help infants sleep better, keep from scratching themselves, and reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). In ancient times this also implied security and safety for the newborn child.

 

It shows Mary and Joseph came to Bethlehem ready to receive Jesus with grateful hearts, even under less than auspicious circumstances. These bands also show the complete helplessness of the divinely conceived infant child’s entrance into the bonds of full human mortality.

 

(Jesus) emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men ~ Philippians 2:7.

 

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth ~ John 1:14.

 

The story we call “Christmas” is the most incredible love story ever told. And it is true. God loves you and me passionately. So much so he entered the world he had created; conceived by the Holy Spirit, fully God, birthed by the virgin, fully man.

 

Immanuel ~ God with us in history.

 

Jesus ~ the Word/Logos of God.

 

And he still today is with

whoever believes in him

Promising that we

shall not perish but have eternal life.

Because

God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

 

This Christmas, may this most incredible love story

fill you with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the magi, and the peace of the Christ child. Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit bless you now and forever ~Unknown.