The symbols of Christmas are all around us in the month of December as we prepare for Christmas Day. But did you know that long before our Christmas trees, Black Friday specials and our beautiful gift-wrapped presents, God provided His very own symbols?
The Christmas Manger
The first was a manger, which is a place where animals often ate their food. According to the Gospel of Luke (2:7), when Jesus, the Son of God was born in the town of Bethlehem, there was no room for Him in the inn. The hotels, motels and even the bed and breakfasts were all full. As a result, the family was only offered a place among the farm animals. Jesus’s mother, Mary, wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in the manger. This symbolized the humility and lowliness of a pauper instead of the pomp associated with royalty.
This symbol became a sign. Angels interrupted the regular nightly broadcast of bleating sheep and snoring shepherds to announce the birth of a Savior, who the shepherds would find in the manger.
Christmas Angels
As the angels praised God and declared peace and goodwill to all men (Luke 2:9-14), they symbolized the joy and glory of God’s salvation plan. The angels also give us a glimpse into their involvement in worshiping and serving God.
The Christmas Child
The Son of God entered this world as a poor and helpless child. His birth symbolized the fulfillment of the prophecy found in Micah 5:2 which said, “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” Isaiah said, “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)
The Christmas Star
While millions of stars beautifully light our sky at night, God launched a special star that stood out above the others. It became a GPS for wise men from afar. The star not only provided physical guidance, but it also provided a symbol of the light and hope Jesus brought to a dark world. Paul said in Galatians 4:4, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son.”
For many, the visual representations of Christmas are wonderful symbols. Nevertheless, beyond these symbols is the Gift of Christmas, God’s only begotten Son! John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Jesus is so much better than the best day-after-Thanksgiving deals offered by Macy’s, Best Buy and all the rest; for if you receive Him today, this can be the Deal of a Lifetime! In the angels’ words, He promises, “On earth peace, goodwill toward men.” (Luke 2:14) It is hard to wrap our arms around such a peace in turbulent times. Yet in our darkest nights we, too, like the shepherds can receive His peace.
Article by Dr. L.W. Edwards
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