The birth of Jesus Christ—what we call the incarnation—isn’t just a comforting story or something that happened long ago. It matters now and is eternally significant.
It is also very personal for us.
This month, we share some insights from Dr. Stanley that we hope will bring fresh perspective on this foundational part of our faith as we celebrate Christmas.
Sometimes our familiarity with the story of Christmas keeps us from seeing the lessons God means to teach us. That can leave us with a rather limited view of Christmas.
Today let’s move beyond the manger scene in Luke 2:1-20 to explore several life applications from God’s perspective.
What appears to be unimportant may have eternal significance.
It wasn’t unique for a baby to be born in Israel. Even giving birth in a stable wasn’t that extraordinary. Babies have always arrived at inconvenient times and in unexpected places. Yet in this lowly setting, the greatest event in human history took place. The Son of God came to earth as a helpless baby to rescue mankind from sin and condemnation.
These considerations point us to an important principle:
We must be careful not to judge our situations by appearance, because what seems insignificant to us may be very important in God’s eyes.
He works through every circumstance in your life to accomplish His purposes; each situation plays an important role, whether you realize it or not.
Sometimes God uses the ungodly to accomplish His divine purpose.
Caesar had authority to make laws that affected the entire Roman Empire. This was the case when he issued a decree that a census be taken of all the lands he ruled over.
Since everyone was required to register in his own city, Joseph had to travel with Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem because he was from the family of David, who came from there.
Caesar’s objective was to enrich his empire through taxation, but God used this pagan emperor to fulfill prophecy. Seven hundred years earlier, Micah had prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Mic. 5:2). Caesar’s decree was the means the Lord used to move Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem—just in time for the Messiah’s birth.
This story reminds us that nothing can ever hinder God’s plan.
Regardless of what choices people who don’t know Christ make, the Lord orchestrates everything according to His eternal purposes. You may experience adversity in this life because of the ungodly, but the Lord has promised to work all things for the eternal good of those who love Him, for His glory (Rom. 8:28).
God works through unlikely people.
In those days, Caesar was considered the most important person in the Roman world. In contrast, Mary and Joseph were a seemingly unremarkable Jewish couple with a newborn baby in Bethlehem.
No one would have thought of them as great instruments of God, yet He chose Mary to bear His Son and trusted her and Joseph to care for Him.
Another principle we find is that the Lord accomplishes His plans in His way using whomever He chooses. So, you should never think that the Lord can’t use you. Nor should you underestimate what He can do in your life if you’re obedient to Him. Your responsibility is to make yourself available to God, as Mary did, to be used by Him in whatever manner He chooses.
It’s not your status in the world that matters, but your relationship with Christ. Many believers will be honored in heaven that were never recognized as great on earth.
God reveals His truths to the humble.
This baby was Israel’s long-awaited Messiah, but the only ones God chose to tell were some ordinary shepherds (Luke 2:8-20). After hearing the announcement from an angel and seeing a multitude of angels praising God, the shepherds hurriedly left to find the baby. Once they saw Him, they rushed to tell the good news of His arrival to others.
Why did God choose the seemingly unimportant people in society to be the first to meet the Messiah? Perhaps because they were humble and willing to believe the message.
Could this be said of you?
Like the shepherds, be quick to hear and obey God’s Word.
Are you ready to share the message of Christ’s coming? Christmas provides countless opportunities to tell your world about this wonderful Savior, and to share what He has done for you. After all, He is the greatest gift you will ever receive. And that gives us much to talk about.
We hope these insights give you a larger perspective of Christmas and all the ways God is at work in your life. Even when you feel insignificant, there’s great peace in knowing that He providentially guides you wherever you go. You may be an unlikely messenger, but God has made you an ambassador of His great love.
May this knowledge fill you with peace and comfort today.
Till next time, God bless you.
For His Glory,
Your Friends at In Touch Ministries
P.S. We wish you a blessed and joyful Christmas! Your partnership and trust continually honor us, and you have the gratitude and well wishes of all of us here at In Touch Ministries. Thank you for helping us share Jesus with the world.