As we again read the account of the Nativity story in Matthew or Luke, our minds flash pictures of the Christ child, Mary, Joseph, some shepherds and the animals together in a stable somewhere in Bethlehem. What a beautiful, peaceful scene. But when you really think about it it is wonderful how God worked out events to have Jesus born in Bethlehem. Just at the right time a decree was issued that a census should be taken and Joseph and Mary had to go to Bethlehem to register, so fulfilling the prophecy of Michah 5:2. Bethlehem was the birthplace of Israel's greatest king, David. Therefore, Bethlehem also became known as the City of David. Bethlehem means 'house of bread'. What better place for the One who would be the 'Bread of Life' to be born.

This was just the beginning of God's plan for man's salvation. The whole salvation package is wrapped up in His name. We must fear it (Rev. 1 1:18), believe in it (1 John 5: 13), call upon it (Rom. 10: 1 3), be justified by it (I Cor. 6:1 1), and be saved through it (Acts 4:12).

By placing the infant Jesus in a manger and announcing His birth to poor shepherds, God was setting in place a whole series of powerful and important symbols: Christ came to live among and communicate with everyday people (like shepherds); Christ came to take His place in the most common corner of the world (like stables).

Note the 10th verse in Luke 2: " . . . Fear not, for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." The heavenly messengers' announcement that this Child was for "all people" contradicted the narrow Jewish expectations. This was a sign of the sweeping universality of Christ's Gospel. This Babe in the manger did come in the lineage of David. He did bring the promise of peace, power and honour. However, this Jesus was to be the Saviour of "all people": Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, religious and heathen.

The "unto you" in verse I 1 was at once personal and universal. It spoke specifically to the poor shepherds in the field, and it speaks with equal power to those who read these words today.

We have tended to romanticize these shepherds, seeing them as something like the legendary cowboys of the old West - strong, husky, salt-of-the-earth types. Clearly, the Jewish leaders did not see the shepherds in that way. We read in the records of religious leaders of Christ's time that shepherds could not testify at a trial because they were of the lowest level of the social order.

The fact that God sent His messenger to the poor shepherds is a powerful symbol of God's care for all persons. The Babe was born in humble surroundings, and the announcement was made to humble persons. Christ's birth came as a gift, not just to the rich, famous, religious, and elite, but to ALL.

The common shepherds of the field were the first evangelists, the first people to tell the Good News of Jesus' birth (verse 17...... They made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child"). Since that first night of celebration and worship, we have been constantly challenged by the task of communicating Christs Gospel. Christ's Church is kept alive through the evangelistic fervor of believers.

At Christmas we must remember the great gift that God gave to man. But we must not stop there. Christmas was a great miracle but only the beginning of a divine plan. Gods redemption of man through His son Jesus Christ, is the greatest story ever written. He came to this world and stripped Himself of His deity. He never ceased to be God, but at the same time, He became man and died for the sins of man. When Jesus died on Calvary and rose from the dead, He bought back - with His own blood - the dominion and authority which had been given away to Satan at the fall of man. In essence, Satan's power was broken and he does not have the authority he once had.

This Christmas, as you look at your gifts beautifully wrapped, think about the gift God gave to all. But it doesnt stop there, for we don't just sit and admire the gift after we've received it. It Id be quite foolish not to open it and I would think the giver would feel quite hurt. But yet, sad to say, some people take Gods gift and don't unwrap it - they just sit and admire it. They believe that Jesus is God's Son, but that's all, and that's not enough for even the devil believes (Mark 5:2-9).

Some go one step further and unwrap the gift but they don't open the box it is in. They don't go beyond the cross and therefore miss out on one of the greatest joys. Others do open the box and experience the fullness of God - 'joy unspeakable and full of Glory!'

Praise God He broke the powers of death! Jesus' resurrection gives us such a bright future - such great hope for tomorrow. It is the basis of our Christian joy. Take Jesus Christ completely, fully - all that He is and has for you.

When our Lord comes again it will not be as a small babe in a manger but as a Victorious Saviour - the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and He shall reign forever and ever!

The writer gratefully acknowledges material used from Adult Teacher's Guide, December 1985.