Many of us have grown up listening to and reading the Christmas story in Sunday School. Yet there is still so much to discover and learn from the humble birth of Jesus Christ, the King of kings.
Let us see how this story unfolds through these six lessons found in the Christmas story:
1. God Is Ready to Forgive All Our Sins
“There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.” (Isaiah 11:1)
Throughout the Christmas story, there is a strong message of God and sinners being reconciled. David was a man after God’s own heart, yet he committed adultery; this speaks of our Father’s abundant mercy. Jesus Christ came from David’s lineage, a family line marked by human weakness and failure.
Yet God’s covenant promise remained pure and holy. When God sent Emmanuel to save His people from their sins, He showed us that no matter who we are or what we have done, forgiveness is available through Christ.
2. Christ Is Our Shepherd
“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!’” (Luke 2:13–14)
Shepherds were considered lowly in that time and culture, and even today they are often overlooked. Yet God chose them to be among the first to hear the good news of Christ’s birth. As God promised, “I will feed My flock, and I will make them lie down,” says the Lord God. Christ came not only to bring peace, but also to lead, protect, and care for His people as our Shepherd.
3. God Does the Impossible
“And Mary said: ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation.’” (Luke 1:46–50)
Mary and Elizabeth both experienced miracles as God honored their faithfulness. One was an elderly woman who had been barren for many years, and the other was a virgin. What seemed impossible to man was accomplished by God.
As the angel said to Mary, “For nothing will be impossible with God.”
4. God Makes a Way
“So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:6–7)
We often forget the difficult conditions surrounding Jesus’ birth and how much hardship the expectant mother must have faced. Mary did not even have a proper room to give birth. Yet God used an unwed teenage girl to deliver His greatest gift to the world and made a way in His perfect time.
5. God Gives Us His Peace
“But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)
Mary must have been overwhelmed by the shepherds rushing in with their testimony, the angel’s words spoken to her, and later, the wise men bringing gifts for her child. With all the wonder and uncertainty around her, Mary carried a quiet peace within her heart as she trusted the God of the impossible.
6. God Is in Control
“When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.” (Matthew 2:3–4)
Herod was deeply troubled when he heard about the birth of a future King of Israel. God allowed the wise men to approach an earthly king while searching for the true King. It was God who placed the star in the sky and guided them to Bethlehem.
Though Herod intended evil, God overruled every scheme. There are many twists and turns in the Christmas story, but God’s hand remains firmly in control.
Our world today is not so different from Herod’s time. It is filled with chaos and uncertainty. Yet when we trust the God who is in control, we can find peace in the Prince of Peace. Hallelujah!
