Jack Hibbs : Most Christians Haven’t Heard This About Christmas
As the world approaches Christmas, many of us find ourselves caught up in traditions—the shopping, the decorations, the food, and the festivities. Yet, beneath these familiar experiences lies an incredible truth that often goes unnoticed. Christmas is not just a story passed down through generations or a myth meant to warm winter nights. It is the historical record of a world-changing event attested by eyewitnesses and anchored deep within God’s plan for humanity. In this article, we will explore the profound “why” behind Christmas and unveil the extraordinary love and purpose that God reveals through the birth of Jesus Christ.
The Reliability of the Christmas Account: Not Just a Story
When most people think of Christmas, they imagine nativity scenes, family gatherings, and joyful carols. But the true Christmas message is more than that—it is the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, the documentation of credible witnesses, and the deliberate action of God in the world. The gospel accounts, especially those written by Dr. Luke, were carefully compiled after thorough investigation, interviewing those who saw these things with their own eyes. Luke, a physician who traveled with Paul, set out to document what really happened so that Theophilus—and by extension, all of us—could be certain of the facts.
In the opening chapters of Acts and Luke, we are told that Jesus presented himself alive by “many infallible proofs” and that the details surrounding his birth were witnessed, recorded, and preserved so that generations would know the truth. These are not fables or legends, but evidence one could present in a court of law. The record stands open for any honest investigator to weigh and consider.
Why the Christmas Story Still Matters
Many people wonder: Why did God orchestrate Christmas the way He did? Why the angels’ messages, a humble manger, and centuries of prophecy leading to a birth in Bethlehem? The answer is not found in cultural customs but in God’s divine love, mercy, and purpose. Christmas is the pivotal act of divine intervention not simply to inspire a religious holiday, but to invite all people to discover and know the living God.
Tracing the Christmas Message: From Genesis to Bethlehem
The roots of Christmas stretch all the way back to Genesis. The Bible consistently points forward to the coming Messiah, the Son of God who would enter our fallen world. In the book of Genesis, God hints at the ultimate rescue mission—He foretells of the offspring of a woman who will one day crush evil. That thread weaves through every page of Scripture, making the Christmas narrative a fulfillment of the oldest promise.
As believers prepare for the celebrations of Christmas, there is a call to reflect deeply on what we believe and why we believe it. Understanding Jesus—His identity and mission—is not an invitation to mere religion, but to personal relationship and saving knowledge of the Almighty God. This is God’s call: to know Him, not just to perform rituals.
The Miraculous Announcements and Fulfillment
In Luke’s detailed account, we see the angel Gabriel appearing to both Zechariah and Mary, announcing the miraculous births of John the Baptist and Jesus. These were not random phenomena, but direct fulfillment of God’s promises to His people. Elizabeth, barren and advanced in years, conceives John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ. Mary, a virgin in Nazareth, is visited by Gabriel and told she will bear Jesus, the Son of the Highest, who will reign on David’s throne forever.
These events show us the power, faithfulness, and precision of God’s plan. Even Mary’s visit to Elizabeth leads to prophetic confirmation—the unborn John leaps with joy at the presence of Jesus in Mary’s womb. The Holy Spirit fills Elizabeth and Zechariah, confirming the divine identity and mission of both children before their births.
Why Christmas Really Is Christmas: The Power of Divine Love
So, why is Christmas such a big deal? At its core, Christmas is about love. Not the fleeting love of the mall or the sentimentality of gifts, but the enduring, sacrificial love initiated by God Himself. The most famous verse encapsulating this truth is John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
This is the resounding answer to the “why” behind Christmas: God’s love for humanity. The arrival of Jesus wasn’t a human invention; it was God’s gracious gift to rescue us. The birth of Christ is not just another event in history, but the centerpiece of God’s plan to bring sinners back to Himself through faith in Jesus.
It’s crucial to note that Jesus didn’t come into a world that would automatically receive him with joy. He came knowing He would face rejection, suffering, and ultimately, the cross. He did this willingly, motivated by radical love for you and me, demonstrating that God’s invitation is to step into our suffering and bring healing hope where there was only despair.
Christmas in Bethlehem: The City Chosen by God
Christmas is not just about a Savior born anywhere, but specifically in Bethlehem. Prophets told centuries ahead that the Messiah would come from this very town. Micah 5:2 precisely identifies Bethlehem Ephrathah—out of this humble village will come the One whose origins are from eternity. The biblical details are so specific and so accurate that even political rulers of Jesus’ day accepted them as facts, seeking counsel from Jewish scholars to confirm where the Messiah would be born.
The location of Bethlehem is also a reminder of God’s sovereignty. In a world swirling with anti-Semitism, political controversies, and disputes over geography, Scripture makes it clear: the Messiah, Savior of the world, would be born in Israel to fulfill God’s covenant promises.
The Eternal Purpose Revealed: God With Us
Perhaps the most astonishing aspect of the Christmas message is what it says about God’s character and motives. Unlike human kings who strive for greater power and glory, God chose to
