The Real Christmas Story

My cousin Monica was recently asked to explain the meaning of Christmas to some people who had never heard about Jesus. This article is dedicated to the true essence of Christmas. Joseph and Mary were husband and wife. She was a poor farmer’s daughter and he was a carpenter. They were Jewish and, according to the law, they were husband and wife in all ways but one – they had to wait one year before becoming intimate. So, Mary was still a virgin when she suddenly found herself pregnant. It was foretold to both of them by the angel Gabriel that Mary was to deliver the long-awaited Christ Child who is the Son of God. This child was to be named Jesus. They both kept this secret close to their hearts. At the time, the Roman Empire required a census to be taken throughout Judea. Each man had to return to his ancestors’ home. Mary was heavy with child as the two of them journeyed to Bethlehem. As they reached the city, Mary began to go into labor, but they could not find a place to stay. Finally, an inn keeper pointed to his stable – a crude manger filled with animals. It was a humble birth for Jesus, with no royal physicians or assistants – just Joseph and Mary. Can you imagine the wonder on their faces as the babe was born – the Word of God turned into flesh! On the outskirts of town, shepherds were guarding their sheep when an angel appeared and announced the birth of the child. The angel told them they would find Him in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes. Above the manger was a celestial light, guiding the shepherds to the humble location, as well as the Magi – three wise men from the east who had traveled many days to worship the Son of God. The Magi’s prophetic gifts to the newborn King were gold (divinity), frankincense (worship) and myrrh (embalming). These gifts signified Jesus our Lord and Savior’s life on earth. Christmas is a wondrous time when the world was blessed with the birth of a King for all mankind. If you are interested to learn more about Jesus and his birth this Christmas, please check out the New Testament in the Bible. God Bless you all – I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!