Good morning,
Christmas is Wednesday, December 25, 2024. It is time to focus on why we celebrate this event. The announcements that were made to Isaiah, Micah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. The story of Jesus’ birth. The praise of the angels, shepherds, Simeon, and Anna.
From the very beginning it is a supernatural story. Only God could have arranged all the details to make it happen. But happen it did.
Today the announcements come to fruition. The babe who was to be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace, Emmanuel, Jesus, would be born in a stable. Not quite what we would envision for the Messiah.
The birth of Jesus
Luke 2:1-7
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Christmas story can be compared to a four act play.
The first act is the numerous announcements about His coming.
Act two is the narratives of His birth. It is very short, but impactful.
Act three is the time from birth till the last week of His life. This includes his childhood and ministry.
Act four is the last week of Jesus’ life. He was falsely accused, tried, convicted, beaten, berated, and crucified for the sins of all mankind. He was buried and on the third day rose from the dead.
This is the complete Christmas story!
There is more to this story than just a babe in a manger surrounded by animals, shepherds, and Magi.
This Christmas season share the complete story of Jesus.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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