The holiday season is here. It’s time to decorate the Christmas tree, gather with friends and family, shop till we drop, eat lots of sweets, and if the weather permits, attend a local parade.
One of the cities near where I live puts on a parade each year. The weather forecast was favorable. So, my husband and I decided to check it out.
With my Santa purse in hand, we weaved our way through the crowd to get to the perfect spot. We looked forward to the moment when thousands of lights in the trees along the street were illuminated and the town Christmas tree at the end of the street was brought to life with a flip of a switch.
However, when the parade began, anticipation turned to emptiness – as the procession featured fairies and snow princesses. A couple of elves ran around, acting goofy (like elves do), and giving candy canes to the kids. Of course, for the grand finale, Santa rode by (on his sleigh) waving to the crowd as a paparazzi-like burst of camera flashes bombarded him.
While I admit that the costumes and props were cool, I felt like I was watching some sort of medieval festival. What happened to the real story of Christmas? Why has the “reason for the season” changed? After all, the reason for the season is Jesus – isn’t it?
In this blog, I’ll share two key insights for you to consider as you contemplate the virgin birth of Jesus this Christmas.
1. Is the Virgin Birth Plausible?
When telling the story of Jesus, His birth can’t be glossed over. Jesus was born of a virgin. You may think it’s impossible, but when it comes to God, all things are possible – even a virgin birth.
Admittedly, without taking the bigger picture into account, a virgin birth may not seem plausible. That’s precisely why the miracle is so great. It’s part of a larger (much more encompassing) narrative. Several centuries before Jesus was born, God told the world what would happen and it did – just as He said it would. The prophecy of the virgin birth of Jesus begins in Genesis and continues through the Psalms.
He will descend from the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:8-12) through the line of David (2 Samuel 7:12). He will be born from a virgin (Isaiah 7:14) in the town of Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). A star shall come forth from Jacob and a scepter shall rise from Israel (Numbers 24:17). He will be given gifts by wise men and all kings will bow down to him (Psalm 72:10-11).
As we piece together what God said would happen (several centuries before it happened), we can see how the virgin birth of Jesus is not as far-fetched as it may seem.
2. The Child Born of a Virgin Changed the World
Now, let’s consider the child himself. Simply put, He changed the world and He (and the life He led while He was on this earth) continues to impact the world today – some 2,000 years after His virgin birth.
Not only were the prophecies that detailed His birth fulfilled, the prophecies regarding His life, death, and resurrection were fulfilled as well. In fact, over 300 prophecies were fulfilled by Jesus. So, when all the pieces are carefully examined and put together (like pieces of a puzzle), the virgin birth of Jesus is, indeed, plausible.
This holiday season, while you’re thinking about gifts, take a moment to remember that God has already given us the “perfect” gift… His son.
God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world. He sent his Son to save the world through him. John 3:16-17 (NIRV)
This is the reason Christians celebrate Christmas around the world.
What do you think about the virgin birth of Jesus?
If you would like to learn more about the virgin birth of Jesus, check out my book Rediscovering the Divine: Seeing God in a Whole New Way.
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