Messiah’s Birth & The Mystery of Fullness | Holiday Message 2024 | Jonathan Cahn Sermon

Messiah’s Birth & The Mystery of Fullness | Holiday Message 2024 | Jonathan Cahn Sermon

In an unassuming little town within a small province of a minor country, tucked away in the far reaches of the Roman Empire, a child was born. This singular event, unfolding in Bethlehem, would forever define history. Today, every date marked across the world connects back to this pivotal moment—the birth of Christ in the year of our Lord, an event we celebrate this holy night.

The Apostle Paul reflects on the profound meaning of Christ’s birth in Galatians 4:1-7, where he writes:
“Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave, though he is owner of everything. But he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father. So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental forces of the world. But when the fullness of time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, to redeem those under the Law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’ Therefore, you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.”

This passage reveals the heart of the Christmas story: the incarnation of God’s Son to redeem humanity and to adopt us as His children. Christ’s coming transformed us from slaves to heirs, granting us eternal belonging in God’s family.

Visiting Bethlehem Today: A Contrast to the First Christmas

Years ago, I visited modern-day Bethlehem, a place far removed from the simplicity and peace of that first Christmas night. Upon arriving, we had to pass through heavy security checkpoints, switching from Israeli buses to Palestinian ones, escorted by local tour guides. The atmosphere was tense, a stark contrast to the peace on earth heralded by angels long ago.

At the Church of the Nativity, incense-filled air and countless candles adorned the site traditionally believed to mark Christ’s birthplace. Yet, amidst the elaborate displays, it was difficult to feel the humble beauty of that sacred night. The sense of awe faded under the weight of commercialism and modern complexities.

One of the most memorable moments came when I asked the guide to take us outside, away from the chaos. We stood on a quiet hill, surrounded by the simplicity of the land, and sang Christmas carols under the stars. For a fleeting moment, it felt like we had stepped back in time, imagining Mary and Joseph’s journey, the shepherds in the fields, and the radiant peace of that first Christmas.

Worship on Shepherds’ Fields: A Close Call

On another visit, our group found a serene hillside overlooking Bethlehem. As night fell, we prepared to sing carols, marveling at the city’s twinkling lights and the starry sky above. It felt like holy ground—a place where shepherds may have once kept watch over their flocks.

However, just as we were about to begin, the president of the tour company, a retired colonel, approached with urgency. He warned us that the area might contain landmines left from conflicts long past. Panic set in, but there was little we could do. Moving hastily might have been just as dangerous as staying put.

In that tense moment, I told our group, “If we are going to sing, let’s do it now. If something happens, at least we’ll have sung the Christmas songs!” And so, we sang—without moving an inch. The carols rose into the night, and for a brief time, fear gave way to worship. Thankfully, no harm came to us, and the experience became an unforgettable reminder of the joy and hope that Christ’s birth brings, even in uncertain circumstances.

The Eternal Light of Bethlehem

Though modern Bethlehem may seem distant from its ancient past, the message of Christmas remains unchanging. Christ’s birth brought light to a dark world, peace to restless hearts, and the promise of redemption to all who believe. As we celebrate this sacred event, let us remember that the significance of Bethlehem transcends time and place. It is a call to embrace the hope, joy, and love of God, who became flesh to dwell among us.

This Christmas, may we fix our hearts on the simplicity and wonder of that holy night, singing songs of worship and giving thanks for the greatest gift of all: Jesus Christ, our Savior.

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