“She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.”
Matthew 1:21-23 NRSV
And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:7-8 NRSV
There’s certainly not much I can add to the two verses above other than to say two things:
1) As you read Matthew’s account of the birth of Jesus, take it personally because it is personal! The child born is named Jesus because He saves all of us – including you! – from our sins. The child born is named Emmanuel because God is with us – including you! – every second of every day . . . always and forever! Then, pray this short but important prayer: “Jesus, be born in me!” Because it’s not enough that you celebrate the birth of Jesus over 2,000 years ago; but also – and more importantly – that you ask Jesus to be born in you anew today and every day!
2) As you celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas, remember to take some time, and reflect on the reason for Jesus’ birth. As the apostle Paul says in the above verse, Jesus humbled himself by being born as God Incarnate (in human form) to die for us on a cross so we – including you! – may be saved from sin and death always and forever! Yes, celebrate the birth of Jesus born in a cradle, but also give thanks for the sacrifice of Jesus’ death on a cross, which is the reason we celebrate Christmas. Then, be sure to share the true meaning of and the real reason for Christmas with all your family members and friends as you gather for Christmas this year.
May you have a truly blessed and merry Christmas!
