As the Christmas season rapidly approaches, I thought it would be nice to go back to the basics; back to where it all began. The birth of Christ.

Today we will talk about what is special about the birth of Christ, what is special about Jesus’ life purpose, and what makes Jesus’ birth story even more special.

The virgin Mary; one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, who’s life has been characterized by faith, humility and obedience to the will of God. Mary holds a unique place in human history, as the only woman to ever conceive a child supernaturally.

Living in a village called Nazareth, Mary was betrothed to a faithful and God-fearing man named Joseph. Mary is approached by an Angel named Gabriel who reassures her that nothing is impossible for God, tells her when and how this supernatural pregnancy will happen.

“And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Luke 1:35 (NKJV)”

I cannot imagine what I would do, or how I would react if I was in Mary’s shoes. An angel appears out of nowhere, tells her she will be pregnant before she is married (something that would cause Mary to be stoned and killed at this time) and to top it all off, she is going to pregnant with the SON OF GOD!

Oh the thoughts that must have ran through her mind. The panic that could have filled her! The joy that must have followed and the humility… “A simple girl like me is carrying the Son of God?”

“But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “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. ²¹ And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-21 (NKJV)”

The story only begins with Mary, but soon includes her soon to be husband. The poor guy must have been so confused; after all, you cannot just become pregnant on your own. An Angel appears to him, telling him to take Mary as his wife and explains how Mary has conceived via the Holy Spirit. If I was Joseph, I don’t know if this would have made things easier to understand, or just made me think I had way too much stress and I was losing my mind. I guess that is why I am me, and not him. Joseph learns from the Angel, not only the source of the pregnancy, but also the importance of it. Mary is going to have a baby – a baby named Jesus who’s life purpose will be the source of forgiveness for everyone’s sins! **Mind Blown** (Tweet This).

“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. ¹⁰ Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. ¹¹ For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12 (NKJV)”

Some time has passed and the time for the birth of the Son of God has happened; such an amazing event. An event like this today would be followed by fireworks! God decided it would only be appropriate to light the sky with something more supernatural. An angel appears to the shepherds, telling them that the Christ was born. Such an amazing event! What really speaks to me and what sets the birth of Christ apart from any other birth, is the fact that the baby was born and laid in a….. Manger? The Son of God is born. An amazing event, and the humility that follows truly shows just how special the birth of Christ must have been. Jesus was laid in a manger, because there was no room in the inn. Jesus came into the world as the least of these, only to leave this world as the most great.

Let’s pray.

“Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank-you today for the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ. We thank you for this wonderful time of year, where we can meditate and celebrate His birth. We thank you that you have given us such a gift; the gift of sacrifice. Remind us during this busy season what the true meaning of Christmas is and all the blessings that this season represents.

In Christ’s name we pray,

Amen.

Nichole is a Social Media Marketing Manager, student, daughter and friend. She has a Marketing Diploma and a Certificate of Christian Theology. She is an avid coffee lover who enjoys a good movie or book. She takes great joy in organizing, scheduling, and volunteering. Her passion for volunteerism extends specifically to those who are hurting, whether it is emotionally, physically, or mentally.

Nichole is certified to provide Mental Health First Aid, which means she can provide immediate support and guidance in a safe environment, comfortably have a conversation about mental health related issues and offer professional and other supports. This does NOT make Nichole a psychologist, or a counselor. It simply gives her the tools to direct people to the help they need.

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