There are four vital stations on the road to Bethlehem
Scripture reading: Isaiah 9:2-7. Text: “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-of whom I am the worst.” 1 Timothy 1:15. New International Version. We have seen so many displays of the Nativity scene – Mary, Joseph, the newborn King in the manger, the three wise men and the shepherds – that it is expected of the clergy to present the Christmas message based on this well-known historical event. I wish to plead with you, please, let us go beyond these popular Christmas sermons and let us try to see Christ’s birth starting with the prophets’ predictions and arriving at Apostle Paul’s personal conviction. Please, come along and let us stop at the four important stations as we travel to Bethlehem.
THE PROPHETS’ PREDICTIONS.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6. See also Isaiah 7:14 and our Scripture reading.
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Micah 5:2. See, these predictions are in future tense.
THE EVANGELISTS’ HISTORICAL RECORDS.
In Matthew we learn about the birth of Jesus and the three wise men, please read Matthew 1:18-25, and 2:1-12. Here we are informed how Joseph had been warned in a dream not to divorce Mary because: “an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.'” Matthew 1:20.
Luke presents the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem and how the shepherds had heard the good news and went to see the Babe in the manger. Here the important verse is: “But the angel said to them (the shepherds), ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.'” Luke 2:10-11.
In Mark and John we do not find any historical reference. John adds a spiritual view to the birth of Jesus: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14. Please read also John 3:16.
APOSTLE PAUL INTERPRETED CHRIST’S BIRTH AS A BELIEVING THEOLOGIAN.
“But when the time had fully come, GOD SEND HIS SON, BORN OF A WOMAN, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Galatians 4:4-5. See also 2 Corinthians 8:9.
“Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, TAKING THE VERY NATURE OF A SERVANT, BEING MADE IN HUMAN LIKENESS. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:5-8.
“Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: HE APPEARED IN A BODY was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.” 1 Timothy 3:16.
“For the GRACE OF GOD that brings salvation HAS APPEARED to all men.” Titus 2:11
THE PERSONAL CONVICTION THAT CONNECTS US TO JESUS’ BIRTH.
While we cannot say for sure that we were born for a special purpose, our Lord had known exactly the reason why he had arrived on earth: “‘You are a king, then!’ said Pilate. Jesus answered, ‘You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, FOR THIS REASON I WAS BORN, and FOR THIS I CAME INTO THE WORLD, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.'” John 18:37. Here Christ’s ministry is in the center.
Apostle Paul not only had comprehended the mystery of the incarnation, please see the quotations above, but also perceived through his faith the personal significance of Jesus’ bodily appearance: “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: CHRIST JESUS CAME INTO THE WORLD TO SAVE SINNERS-of whom I am the worst.” 1 Timothy 1:15.
The magi and the shepherds had made their journeys, can we also make our own, and stopping at all the four stations – the prophetic, historical, theological, and personal ones – we should not only be aware of but also rejoice that Christ was born.
The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.