In Galatians 4:4-6, Paul gives us a summary of the Christmas story: “In the fulness of time, God sent forth His son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His son into your hearts, crying ‘Abba, Father.’” When we think of Christmas, we often turn to familiar stories surrounding the birth of Jesus. But here, Paul reminds us that Christmas is more than just a “babe in a manger.”
What is the reason that we celebrate Christmas? Some celebrate just because of tradition. Others celebrate because they love the festiveness and joyfulness of the season. Still others celebrate because they love getting and giving gifts. Some even celebrate because they understand the real reason for the season. But what is the reason for Christmas? It is because God promised to send a deliverer who would “save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
Christmas begins with a promise, and it is based on a promise. Christmas began long before there was a babe in the manger. It was spoken about long before there were “shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.” It was anticipated long before wise men brought their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Christmas goes all the way back to the Book of Genesis. In Genesis 3:15, God gave Adam and Eve a promise that a deliverer would come that would save them from their sins: “And I will put enmity, between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” Christmas begins with the promise of God.
Teaching Resources International 