Christmas Day
The Full Christmas Story
Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son,
and shall call His name Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14
Here, another piece is added to the Christmas story. The angel tells Joseph that the child should be called Jesus. Matthew sees that this birth is a fulfilment of the Isaiah 7:14 prophecy: “‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).”
But Matthew does not mention Isaiah. The angel had already covered that when he told Joseph, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:20) Obedient to this word from the Lord, Joseph takes Mary as his wife, and when the baby arrives, Joseph names the child “Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins” (v 21).
What are we hearing from Matthew that we did not hear from Luke?
We hear that our troubles are greater than the darkness and problems that come to us from the outside. We have added to the mess we are in by our own sins and failures, and we need to be saved from our sins.
Sadly, it is true that the warm and giving spirit of Christmas wears down quickly as it meets the realities of living in a harsh world? Many children have likely already fought over new toys. And what about you—have you already had an argument, or said a harsh word?
The angel has Good-News for us: God is with us in Jesus, who came to save us from our sins.
Bible Reading
Matthew 1:18-25.
Prayer
Lord God, thank You for loving me despite my sins, and for renewing love and life for me and for Your world. Glory to God in the highest! Amen.
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