The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After His mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly. But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”

Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name Him Immanuel, which is translated “God is with us.”

When Joseph got up from sleeping, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her but did not know her intimately until she gave birth to a son. And he named Him Jesus. (Matthew 1:18-25 HCSB)

 

My church does a big Christmas production every year. This year it is called “End of the Beginning” and for the first time in the church’s history, Christmas Spectacular 2015 was live streamed. It has been archived, so if you would like to watch it click here. I don’t know how long it will be active and, if you chose to watch it, I hope you enjoy it. We were told it was the best ever. FYI, don’t get upset if it looks like we are advertising a campaign for someone running for office. It’s a part of the production and not a real campaign.

The books of Matthew and Luke tell the story of the birth of Jesus. It’s the reason why we have Christmas; to remember that God sent His Son to earth to bridge the gap between God and man. The story doesn’t stop with the birth of Jesus. He grew to be a man, wise beyond His years. But, of course, He was wise. He was God. He knew, as time passed, what must be done. He knew the path He had to take. The path to the cross and death. But, the story doesn’t end there because He came back from the dead three days later.

No, the story continues and has yet to end. This is something to consider, because He promised to come back. And He always keeps His promise. Where will you be when He returns? I hope to be doing the work He has given me to do for Him.

Father God, thank you for sending your son as a little baby. I’m sorry that he suffered and died for me, but I am thankful and grateful that he did. Thank you for bridging the gap, for coming down to me, for making it possible for me to reach you.

The virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name Him Immanuel, which is translated “God is with us.” Matthew 1:23 Tweet This.

It is the End of the Beginning, the story continues and has yet to end. Tweet This.