Title: Christmas!

Scripture focus: 

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). 

Christmas in the Bible is centered on the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the gift of salvation. The Scriptures tell the story of hope, joy, and divine love revealed in Bethlehem.

  The Bible does not mention the word Christmas, yet it unfolds the story that Christians celebrate each December: the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. The prophets of old had long foretold His coming. Isaiah declared, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). This promise set the stage for the night when heaven touched earth.

  In the Gospel of Luke, the narrative begins with Mary, a humble young woman visited by the angel Gabriel. He announced, “Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS” (Luke 1:31). Mary’s faith and obedience remind us that Christmas is about trusting God’s plan even when it surpasses human understanding.

  Joseph, too, plays a vital role. Troubled by Mary’s pregnancy, he was reassured in a dream: “Fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 1:20). His quiet strength and protection of Mary and the child reflect the courage and humility that Christmas calls us to embody.

  The climax of the story unfolds in Bethlehem. Luke records, “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” (Luke 2:7). The King of Kings entered the world not in splendor, but in simplicity, teaching us that God’s glory often shines brightest in humility.

  The shepherds, keeping watch in the fields, were the first to hear the good news. “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10–11). Their journey to the manger reminds us that Christmas is an invitation to come and see the Savior with open hearts.

   Later, wise men from the East followed a star, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). Their offerings symbolize worship, devotion, and recognition of Jesus as King, Priest, and the one destined to suffer for humanity’s redemption.

  Thus, the Bible’s Christmas story is not merely about a baby in a manger—it is about God’s love breaking into history. It is about hope fulfilled, peace proclaimed, and salvation offered to all. As John beautifully summarizes, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). That is the heart of Christmas: Emmanuel, God with us.

What lessons on have you learnt from this, share your thoughts here. What is your plan this Christmas? Eat, drink and merry? Remember salvation is paramount, humility and faith are next and giving is important.

Put together by Dr Joel Olanrewaju,  gbemide09@gmail.com