In Awe of Christmas

Was it by some accident that Mary became pregnant?
Was it because of some mistake that Jesus was born in Bethlehem?
Was it on a whim that an evil leader killed all the first-born male babies born during a period in Bethlehem?
Was the miracle conception an afterthought by some crazy person trying to rewrite history in order to make Jesus more impressive?
Was it an afterthought by God to step into the world to help it out?

Matthew wrote, "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet." Matt 1:22

Dozens of the details of Jesus' birth were clearly communicated by God hundreds and thousands of years before Jesus was actually born. God went to great lengths to mark history with a once-in-a-world miracle birth of Jesus.

Hundreds of years before Jesus was born, God communicated the location of the birth, the birth line and family tree, the tragedy of the devious murder of first born boys, the weeping of mothers, and so many others to show how powerful, specific and strategic God is.

"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Micah 5:2

“A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” Jer 31:15

There are no prophecies foretelling details about the birth of other religious leaders. No prophecies alerted the world to the coming of Muhammad (Islam), Joseph Smith (Mormonism), David Koresh (Branch Davidians), Charles Taze Russell (Jehovah’s Witnesses), Siddhartha Gautama (Buddhism), or any other founder of the world’s religions. Yet the Old Testament pinpointed numerous details about the life of the Son of God and Savior of the world.

So, let's pause long enough to be in awe of God. 
Let's contemplate the impossibility of someone orchestrating all of these specific details of the Messiah's birth, life, death and resurrection. 
Let's share this amazing news about the birth of Jesus with a friend or family member who does not celebrate Jesus' birthday.
Let's gather with our church family in order to worship God more passionately.
Let's join the angels and sing, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14
Let's join the shepherds by sharing with others who Jesus is, "When the shepherds had seen (baby Jesus), they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them." Luke 2:17

In awe, in love, desiring to share with others,
Pastor Chris