Amy's Angle>

Let's Chat About...The True Meaning of Christmas

With all the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparation, we sometimes loose site of the true meaning.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” -Isaiah 9:6-7

Mary and Joseph Travel to Bethlehem:

A census was ordered by Augustus Ceasar, the Roman Emperor from 27BC-14AD that each family be counted in their hometown. Therefore, Joseph took Mary, and they traveled to Bethlehem. The journey took 4-5 days since Bethlehem is about 90 miles south of Nazareth. Jesus was born in a stable and laid in the manger since there was no room in the Inn.

Star of Bethlehem:

The Star of Bethlehem shone brightly above the town of Bethlehem, guiding the three wisemen to the birthplace of Jesus. Many Christians believe the star was a miraculous sign.

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East and have come to worship him."

Three Wise Men:

Magi is the biblical term for the Three Wisemen, also referred to as Kings. The gospel of Matthew is the only book of the bible that mentions them. It was never stated that there were three wiseman, but it has been assumed since three gifts were presented. While on their journey to find the Christ Child, the Wisemen stopped in Jerusalem to inquire, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising and have come to pay him homage."

Upon hearing this, King Herod became jealous and ordered them, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." They continued following the star until it led them to Bethlehem where Baby Jesus was born. They offered gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. An Angel appeared to them and warned them of King Herold's intentions to kill the child, so they chose a different route when returning to their homeland.

The Shepards:

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” Luke 2:8-15

The Angel figurine has become a popular Christmas Tree topper, representing the Angel of the Lord which appeared to the Shepards. The star is also a common tree topper, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem guiding the Wisemen and Shepards to Bethlehem.

The Little Drummer Boy:

Although this is not an actual Biblical Event, this song is a classic that features the coming of Jesus. This tune was originally titled "Carol of the Drum" and is of Czechoslovakian decent. It was written by Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941 and first recorded by the Austrian "Trapp Family" in 1951.

The lyrics refer to a poor young boy summoned by the Magi to the Nativity of Jesus. As he did not have any gifts to offer, he played music on his drum with the approval of Jesus' Mother Mary. He recalls "I played My Best For Him" and "Then He Smiled At Me".

There are many versions of this Classic Tune, but this version by Pentantonix is one of my favorites!

The Christmas Story in Cronological Order:

1. The Annuciation of Jesus' Birth (The Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary announcing that she would conceive a child through the Holy Spirit and he would be the Son of God). -Luke 1:26-38

2. Mary's Visitation to Elizabeth (Mary visits her relative Elizabeth, who is also miraculously pregnant with John the Baptist. When Mary greets her, John leaps within Elizabeth's womb and she is filled with the Holy Spirit, knowing that Mary is carrying the Christ Savior). -Luke1:39-56

3. The Census Decree (Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus issues a decree stating that each family be counted in their hometown. Joseph was a decendant of David from Bethlehem, so he and Mary traveled there from Nazereth to be counted). -Luke 2:1-5

4. The Birth of Jesus (Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem but there was no lodging available. They found shelter in a stable where Mary gave birth to Jesus and she wrapped him and lays him to rest in a feeding trough). -Luke 2:6-7

5. The Angelic Announcement to the Shepards (Angels appear to a group of Shepards near Bethlehem proclaiming "Glory to God in the highest, Peace and Goodwill toward men." The Shepards witness the Messiah and glorify God for all they had seen). -Luke 2:8-20

6. The Star of Bethlehem (A bright star appeared in the sky, guiding the Wisemen, or Magi, from the East to the birthplace of Jesus. This symbolizes the divine significance of his birth). -Matthew 2:2-10

7. Adoration of the Magi (King Herod orders the Wisemen to notify him of Jesus' birthplace so that he too may pay him homage. But, he has evil intentions to kill the baby Jesus. The Magi follow the Star to Bethlem and find baby Jesus laying in the manger. They offer him gifts of Gold, Francincense and Myrrh recognizing him as a King. Warned in a dream of Herod's plan, they return to their homeland an alternate way. -Matthew 2:1-12

8. The Flight to Eqypt (An Angel warns Joseph in a dream of King Herod's plan to kill Jesus and instructs him to flee to Egypt with his family. They lived there for an undisclosed amount of time. The prophecy "Out of Egypt I called my Son" is fulfilled. -Matthew 2:13-15

9. Herod's Massacre of the Innocent ( In an attempt to eliminate the threat of the newborn King, Herod orders the massacre of all male children of Bethlehem ages two years and under). -Matthew 2:16-18

10. The Return to Nazerath (After Herod's death, an Angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph and instructed him to go back to the land of Israel. They return to the town of Nazerath where Jesus grows up as a Carpenter's son. The prophecy that he would be called a Nazarene is fulfilled). -Matthew 2:19-23

If you have any insights that I have missed, please share in the commens below!

What's Your Angle>