The Christmas Story

"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:1-7 NIV).

The story never gets old. It brings my mind into focus on the birth of the baby Jesus.That's what Christmas is all about. A baby, a holy child, born in a stable with the cattle and sheep all around. Jesus. The promises of a King have been fulfilled. He is here! Joy to the World! A Star, a Star glowing in the night, alerted everyone of His coming. Jesus came to change the world. He came to take away the sins of the world. He bore our stripes so we wouldn't have to. And He is just a baby now.

My study Bible lists eighteen Messianic Prophecies and Fulfillments that Jesus was the answer to. He was born in Bethlehem. He was born of a virgin. These first two happened in the stable, just as predicted. Jesus is born! Hallelujah!

May your Christmas be centered on the baby Jesus. And may your hearts be filled with hope eternal.