The Miracle of Christmas
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John 1:14)
One of the phrases people often use over the next few days is “the miracle of Christmas.” Typically it refers to the joy and excitement of children. Sometimes they are talking about a person who surprises the family and comes home, or a family that receives special gifts when they have or are expecting nothing. There are many other poignant stories we have likely heard referred to as “the miracle of Christmas.”It is touching when people who are down and out are blessed with gifts they don’t expect. Truly, it is special when that person in the military or who has been away from home for a long time comes home for Christmas. But none of those compare to the Christmas miracle we as Christians have the privilege of celebrating each year as we journey to Bethlehem and hear the familiar words of Luke.
While the verses of Luke 2 tell the story in a very familiar way, the first chapter of the Gospel of John clearly captures and explains how what happened in Bethlehem was truly a miracle. If you look at the Bible verse above, “The Word” is a way John identifies Jesus. The real “miracle of Christmas” is that Jesus, as true God, chose to leave the glories and comforts of heaven and be born as a human being. We know it well from reciting and hearing “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed” (Luke 2:1). We probably don’t think about the significance of that familiar story and event. Why would perfect Jesus come into this sinful world at the direction of his heavenly Father? Why would he willingly be born as a baby knowing that he would die as a man? The simple answer is: “To be our Savior.”
What’s really important though is what that “miracle of Christmas” means to us and for us every day of our lives and not just at Christmas.
God cares for us: The fact Jesus chose to come down to earth is a clear reminder God loves us and cares for us. How often are we willing to give someone else the very best thing we have? If we are honest, we often save the best for ourselves and give to others out of what is left over. Christmas is God telling us, “I care for you, more than you know,” as he gives us his very best, his Son.
God is there for us: Perhaps you have heard Jesus called Immanuel. That word means “God is with us.” Christmas is God’s assurance to us that no matter how far we’ve strayed or no matter what has gone on in our lives, he is there with his love and power to care for and protect us.
We are forgiven: If we really want to know how much Christmas means to us and for us, we need to look past the manger to the real reason that Jesus came – to die for our sins. Christmas is the cute part of the story. The cross is the ugly, but real, part of the story that tells us God loves us so much he was willing to kill his Son to pay for our sins.
Heaven is ours: One of the hardest things about Christmas for many people is the memory of loved ones who are not with them to celebrate. It is hard to get past the earthly feelings and emotions, but what a real joy to know those loved ones are enjoying gifts from God greater than we will ever have here on earth and one day we will get to join them there and enjoy those gifts!
May you find peace, joy, comfort and hope in the true miracle of Christmas as we kneel at the manger and receive God’s Christmas gift and realize all that it means for us.
Michael Klatt
President and CEO – The Lutheran Home Association
Pastor Joel Gaertner
Vice President of Ministry – The Lutheran Home Association
National Director – Jesus Cares Ministries