We take so much of the nativity story for granted that we often don’t catch the subtleties of specific events that connect directly to the entire Biblical narrative, and then fail to see their implication for our own lives. Consider the various parts of the Christmas story that are linked to the intersection of God’s sovereignty with humankind through history.
- Zachariah and Elizabeth conceived and bore a son miraculously in their old age, which was announced by a messenger from God. (Luke 1:5-25) This paralleled the announcement to and miraculous conception and birth of Isaac by Abraham and Sarah. (Genesis 18:1-15; 21:1-7) God brings life, even when nature says it’s impossible.
- Zechariah prophesied that the coming one would raise up a horn of salvation, so that God’s people could serve Him in holiness and righteousness. (Luke 1:68-75) Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6)
- Zachariah's prophesy spoke specifically to protecting God’s people from their enemies (Luke 1:71 & 74) When Jesus spoke that He was the door of the sheep he focused on protecting His sheep as well as guiding them. (John 10:7 & 9)
- Jesus is the lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (Revelation 13:8) What more appropriate place for the Lamb of God to be born than a stable, and laid in a manger? (Luke 2:7) God works in unexpected and humble ways and places, but always true to His nature and character.
- Jesus said “I am the good shepherd.” (John 10:11 & 14) The scribes and priests in answering Herod’s question about Jesus’ birthplace quoted the prophet who said the ruler to come would shepherd God’s people. (Matthew 2:6, quoting Micah 5:2) Who better to be among the first to see and recognize Him than other shepherds, on the night of his birth? (Luke 2:8-17) Jesus shows us how to live right, and shepherds us to do so. He is the Good Shepherd.
- Jesus was wrapped in swaddling cloths, which was a sign to the shepherds. (Luke 2:12) When Lazarus came out of the tomb he was wrapped in cloths and napkins, but he had been raised from the dead. (Luke 11:44) Jesus is the resurrection and the life. (John 11:25)
- Jesus said “I am the bread of life.” (John 6:35, 48, 51) He was born in the village of Bethlehem, which translated from Hebrew is the house of bread. Jesus is, and will provide both earthly and spiritual sustenance.
- Micah had prophesied that Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. (Micah 5:2) Mary lived in Nazareth. (Matthew 1:26) In order to get Mary to Bethlehem for Jesus’ birth, God arranged for a census of the entire Roman Empire to require everyone to return to his ancestral home to be taxed. Joseph and Mary had to go to Bethlehem because he was of the house and lineage of David. (Luke 2:1-4) God will organize events in the whole world in order to accomplish His purposes.
- Wise men (magi) came from the east to worship Him. (Matthew 2:1-12) Jesus later contrasted His generation to the Queen of the South who came to hear the wisdom of Solomon. (Matthew 12:42, Luke 11:31) The magi came to worship because they were wise. But Jesus was greater than Solomon. The wise men knew it, presumably because they knew the prophecies. Divine visitation transcends human wisdom. The magi knew that, too.
- The magi asked Herod, “where is the one who is born King of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2) The genealogy of Joseph and Mary is delineated in Matthew 1 and Luke 3. Generations of natural descendants of David had not produced one born king of the Jews. But Jesus’ title as king of the Jews is derived from Him being the son of God. Therefore, Jesus is the true vine. (John 15:1 & 5) He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
- A star guided the magi to find Jesus. (Matthew 2:2, 9-10) Whether this was a supernatural occurrence or a providential sign is a secondary issue. Zechariah prophesied that John the Baptist would prepare the way for the sunrise from on high. (Luke 1:78) Jesus lights everyone’s path, showing the way to Him if we follow His light. Jesus is the light of the world. (John 1:9, 8:12; 10:5)
- Herod killed a large number of children to try to get rid of Jesus. (Luke 2:16-18) This is reminiscent of Pharaoh’s attempt to eliminate Moses with the Hebrew newborn males. (Exodus 1:16-22) Although Herod the Great died shortly after this event, his son had the opportunity to judge Jesus. (Luke 23:6-12) Curiously, he did not pass judgment on Jesus, but sent Him back to Pilate, who on behalf of the Roman Empire had Jesus killed. Evil will try to destroy good, but God will defeat it. God directed Joseph to protect Jesus, and rendered justice to Herod. God protects His people from evil.
What is the point? The recorded details of Jesus birth are intimately tied to various aspects of God’s work with the Jews, and to the life, ministry, and the redemption of mankind achieved by Jesus. They are not incidental to the story. When we celebrate the nativity, we are (or should be) joyous to celebrate all of the dimensions of God’s interactions with humankind. We can’t ultimately resolve the tension between God’s foreknowledge and our free will, accepting that both are partial perspectives on a greater reality that we don’t understand. But what we see in these threads of spiritual truth is that God’s sovereign will will be accomplished in all of the facets of life which come into contact with it throughout time and human history. God’s plan of redemption and Jesus’ incarnation demonstrates the interaction of these threads with human history. The key question for us is how is God’s sovereignty intersecting our personal lives in these dimensions, and do we recognize it, outside of the Bible’s Christmas narrative?
- God brings life supernaturally.
- Jesus is the resurrection and the life.
- Jesus is the Good Shepherd.
- Jesus is the light of the world.
- Jesus protects His people from evil.
- God works in unexpected and humble ways and places, always true to His nature and character.
- Jesus is the Bread of Life.
- God will organize events in the whole world in order to accomplish His purposes.
- Wise men recognize that God’s presence transcends human wisdom.
- Jesus Christ is rightfully King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
The real challenge of Christmas is how we will respond to the intersection of these threads of God’s sovereignty with our own lives.
