A QUICK NOTE FROM RICO TICE
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. (Luke 2: 6-7)
Yesterday I opened the Bible with a German friend, who had never looked at the gospels before. I showed him these verses. I said: “Of course, you know the events of Christmas, we all do. They are in those two verses, but the question is do you know the meaning? So as you see the trees, tinsel, the lights and the presents, do you automatically think of the meaning of the events?”
The passage goes on to tell us that this is good news of great joy:
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. (v10)
And we’re told this is because:
Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (v11)
So Christmas marks the start of a great rescue operation. A deliverer has been born who will be named Jesus, “because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
Let’s pray this Christmas that we can keep saying to people: “I know you know the events, but do you know the meaning? And if this isn’t the best news you’ve ever heard, you can be sure you’ve misunderstood it, so why not come back in the New Year to a little series in January and unpack the meaning? Don’t pack this away with the Christmas decorations for another year.”
A very Happy Christmas from all of us here at Christianity Explored.
Rico Tice
