Dec 24, 2004 4 min read

Scripture reading: Luke 2:1?14. Text: “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. May only one word: BORN and its deeper meaning unfold the Christmas message.

” . . . TODAY IN THE TOWN OF DAVID A SAVIOR HAS BEEN BORN TO YOU . . .”

The story of Christ’s birth is so unique and eventful that it is impossible to exhaust all of its implications. Just a few Bible quotations will lead us beyond the simple happenings in Bethlehem:

– “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9.

– “But when the time had fully come, God sent 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.

– “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.

Jesus’ birth was supernatural. Mary was told ahead of time what will happen and what the name of her child would be, Luke 1:26-38. See also Matthew 1:18-25. St. John is not interested in the historical events, so he presents Jesus’ arrival from a theological viewpoint: “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.

Christ in his conversation with Nicodemus connected the significance of birth with the spiritual life: “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” John 3:3. Please read: John 3:1-12.

HE WAS BORN AND WE WERE BORN AND WE SHALL BE BORN ANEW ALSO.

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, which had taken place for a definite purpose by the gracious will of God, may we see what birth means to us as we relate it to our salvation.

1. BIRTH MEANS TO ENTER LIFE ON A HIGHER LEVEL. There is life before birth also but birth is that moment when a complete change takes place and the newborn will start to live in a totally different environment.

Just think about the egg that was hatched. How many of our brethren desperately need a drastic change after which they continue to live on a higher level?

2. BIRTH MEANS TO GROW. From the very moment, anything that was brought forth has started to grow. When Christ was about 12 years old, it was noted: “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” Luke 2:52.

We can learn it from biology that growing up and getting older cannot be separated; however, nature teaches us that fruits become ripe in order to make the existence of the next generation possible.

3. BIRTH MEANS TO REACH THE PEAK that is to become matured and fruitful. What would happen if anything that exists would only vegetate? Often there is a hard struggle for survival, the weeds outgrow the flowers, the cat catches the mouse, big fish eats the small fish, yet every being is challenged to fulfill its purpose in life.

Think of the life of the Savior, just a baby, and Herod wanted to kill him. And although physically he was nailed to the cross, spiritually that was the greatest victory for sinners.

Without Christmas there could not have been Good Friday, and without Good Friday there could not have been Easter.

4. BIRTH MEANS TO FACE ITS OPPOSITE POLE: DEATH. Only humans are aware of their final hours and it shall be clear to each of us, as we were born likewise we will stop functioning biologically. One of the great mistakes of our society is: death is not taken seriously. As we watch TV, death is used as entertainment and after the end of the show all those who were killed will appear on the picture tube again.

Because Christ was born, we can be born anew and therefore we face only the biological death, spiritually we will be with him whenever we are called.

The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.