Art Fettig observes, “Some businessmen are saying that this could be the greatest Christmas ever. I always thought the first one was.” There are so many wonderful details recorded in Scripture about the first Christmas.
For example, the angelic birth announcement given to the shepherds (Luke 2:8–14). The heart of this announcement is found in Luke 2:11, “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” This verse reveals three things about the first Christmas.
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First, it speaks of the birthday of Jesus. “For there is born to you this day. . .” (Luke 2:11). The birth of Jesus Christ is the day that divided history into BC (Before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini). The Latin “Anno Domini” means “in the year of our Lord.” The birth of Jesus is a defining moment in human history. It is difficult to determine the exact day of Jesus’ birthday, but for many years Dec. 25 is the day designated to remember His birth. Billy Graham explains, “Christmas is not a myth, not a tradition, not a dream. It is a glorious reality!”
Second, it speaks of the birthplace of Jesus. “For there is born to you this day in the city of David. . .” (Luke 2:11). “The city of David” refers to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. The name “Bethlehem” means “house of bread.” Jesus declared in John 6:35, “I am the bread of life.” The context of this self-disclosure reveals that Jesus came down from heaven, like the manna to sustain God’s chosen people (John 6:28–59). Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. I am the bread of life” (John 6:47–48). Micah 5:2 reads, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.”
Third, it speaks of the birthright of Jesus. “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). It is important to review the biblical basis of the birthright of Jesus. He is the firstborn Son of God (Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:15; Revelation 1:5). He is heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2; Psalm 2:7–8; Matthew 28:18). Believers are joint heirs with Him (Romans 8:17; Galatians 3:29; Titus 3:7). He promises believers will share in His Kingdom and inheritance (Romans 4:13; Galatians 3:29; Ephesians 1:18; Hebrews 11:6). Jesus is Lord of all (Acts 2:36; Philippians 2:9–11; Revelation 19:16). Romans 10:9–10 reads, “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Don’t miss the ultimate purpose of the first Christmas!
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Franklin Kirksey.
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