Christmas Eve 2025

I believe most of us know the story of the first Christmas.  We just need to cut through all the mythical additions that have been attached over the centuries.  The Angel’s message to the Shepherds still holds the core message.    
Luke 2:10 - Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.

The Joy the angel announced that night was about more than the birth of this child. It was ultimately for what He would accomplish. For this baby was the promised Messiah, the Savior who would bring about reconciliation to God. His birth was just the first step on the road to Calvary.  The joy which would reach to all people was the magnificent future Jesus Christ purchased for us. But it started with the one born that day in Bethlehem

Luke 2:11-14 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Sticking to the text of what Luke wrote we can dispose of some myths that have been tacked onto the Christmas story.  Myths that actually diminish the wonder of that night.  Mary and Joseph were not alone in a stable somewhere on the outskirts of Bethlehem.  They were likely staying at someone’s home, possibly in an attached shelter.  The stone manger (not wood) was a convenient crib.  The Shepherds were able to find them because the town’s people knew where they were staying.  It is highly improbable that the women of Bethlehem would stand by and let a pregnant stranger give birth alone in a cow pen.  Luke lets us know there were other people in attendance.       

Luke 2:17-20 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

The shepherds told the people who had gather what the Angels had announced – this Baby Boy was the promised savior, the Messiah.  The people did not discount what the shepherds said but wondered if it could be true.  And what would this mean for them.  Luke used the same word to describe the reaction Joseph and Mary had to Simeon’s words a month later in at the Temple.    

Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” Luke 2:29-33

And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Simeon had more to say to Mary “Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:34-35

The joy of her Baby’s birth would become a cause of division in Israel as well as the world.  She would live to see the ministry of Jesus Christ bring the blessing of everlasting life to many, but also the fall of those who would speak against Him.  Mary would herself suffer pain because she would see the true mindset of the Jewish leaders.  

But in the end God’s Mercy does triumph over judgement.  Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Him, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Him shall never die. Do you believe this?”  John 11:25-26