Joy in Christmas Comes from Jesus

Prepare for Christmas by exploring how the Bible points to Jesus’ birth.

“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons and daughters.” Galatians 4:4-5 NASB

Take time over the next weeks to consider how Jesus’ birth at Christmas is part of God’s larger plan for humanity. Consider God’s careful preparation for His Son who came to redeem the world. Take time to reflect and pray on your own preparation for welcoming Jesus this Christmas.

How Jesus Came

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. – Isaiah 7:14

Where Jesus Came

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

Who is Jesus

For to us a child is born, 
     to us a son is given, 
     and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
     Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
     Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace 
     there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne 
     and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it 
     with justice and righteousness 
     from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
     will accomplish this. – Isaiah 9:6-7

Why Jesus Came for You

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
     because the Lord has anointed me
     to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, 
     to proclaim freedom for the captives 
     and release from darkness for the prisoners, 
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor 
     and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn, 
     and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
     instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
     instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
     instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
     a planting of the Lord
     for the display of his splendor. – Isaiah 61:1-3

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. – John 1:14