The True Meaning of Christmas

As Christmas once again draws close, we need to remember the circumstances of His birth. As Mary was heavy with child they were forced to make a long journey, discomforted by a political decree to be registered by the government for the sake of governmental control. Politicians were continually vying for control and distorting taxes for their own lavish lifestyles. The religious elite were often caught up in the process as well. While prophesies of God’s intentions were readily available to the religious leaders, few of them paid any attention or made them known to the people. It was into this background that God moved and Mary brought forth her firstborn son.

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. – Luke 2:7

What should have been the most glorious episode in Israel’s history happened with almost no notice. Certainly, the news media of the day was unaware as well as the political movers and shakers. As I watch the hoopla generated by the visiting prince of England and his new bride, I am reminded that for the King of the Universe there was not even ‘room at the inn’. The fact that God alerted a few humble shepherds and that was all reveals that God saw no value in alerting the government or the ruling elites to His plans. Very few of the religious class knew of this momentous event until some two years later. What does this say to us about God’s method of moving? It seems that if people have no desire to seek God, He doesn’t feel obligated to let them in on His plans! And the fact that He did reveal the coming of the Christ child to wise men from east re-enforces this truth, even though they were Gentiles.

This Christmas takes place in a similar setting; politicians vying for power, a government more concerned about its power to tax and spend while excluding itself from the laws they pass, a news media that promotes political correctness and eliminates every reference to Christmas or Jesus Christ that it can, and religious establishments that are more concerned about what Caesar thinks than about what God thinks and about their own position and power. Am I being to judgmental? Yes, there were a few, like Simeon and Anna or Nicodemus and there are a few today like them but, the majority fall into the same category as their historical counterparts.

But, that did not stop God from sending His Son to begin His government that will only increase until it fills the entire earth. And it should be remembered by all that Daniel was shown this Christmas story thousands of years before as he interpreted King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream –

"You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. – Daniel 2:34

Man’s kingdoms always appear glorious to him but God’s kingdom begins with a stone which the builders rejected but grows until it becomes a mountain that fills the whole earth. This exactly the way God described the Christmas story to His prophet Isaiah –

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” – Isaiah 9:6, 7

So, may the blessings of the Christmas story be yours as you rejoice in the hope that the government of Christ is indeed growing – now, in the hearts of men – but soon as a mountain that will crush all of Satan’s inspired governments.