You may wonder about Christmas. There are so many legends and traditions. What’s the real story? Why do we get a big holiday? Why are we celebrating? What’s the birth of a baby called Jesus, more than 2000 years ago, got to do with it? Is that the true story of Christmas?
The true story of Christmas
In the Bible, the story of the birth of Jesus is told by both Matthew and Luke.
Matthew tells it like this:
“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with you’).
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.” Matthew 1:18-25.
The prophet that Matthew mentions is Isaiah, who wrote:
Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14
Immanuel means God with us.
Another prophecy about Jesus is in Isaiah 9:2-7:
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.
For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.
Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end
He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”
Dark times in the world
Right now, in 2025, the world seems to be in a dark place. I wrote about that in Happy Christmas, so why am I so sad?
There is trouble, wars, conflict and fighting – between nations, communities and families.
But that’s not the whole story. God promises, through the prophet Isaiah, to send a light into the darkness:
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
Isaiah 9:2-3
on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy.
Yearning for a light in the darkness
If you are anything like me, you are yearning for a light in the darkness; yearning for wise counsel, for good government, for justice, for more joy, and for peace on earth.
Jesus came, more than 2000 years ago, to be just that:
The government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
So, that’s the true story of Christmas.
Because of sin and evil, the world was dark. Our thoughts, words and deeds are sinful. We were separated from God, who is holy.
But God sent Jesus as a baby. Jesus became one of us, yet perfect, sinless. Jesus came to die, to pay the price for our sin. So that we could be reconciled to God. So that we could come back into relationship with him.
God sent His Son, Jesus, into our dark world to bring light and joy and hope and peace.
We are so thankful that we can celebrate Jesus’ birth at Christmas.
This Christmas, I pray that God’s light will shine into the dark, sad, lonely, hurting places of your life.
May God’s light of joy and hope and peace shine into your life, wherever you are, and whatever difficulties you are facing.
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” Isaiah 9:2-3
Hallelujah!
What about you?
Do you feel like a person living in darkness?
Do you need a light to show you the way out of your trouble?
God’s promise is for you! Jesus came to earth, born as a helpless baby, for you!
He is the light of the world.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Please leave a comment below.
Have a wonderful Christmas!