Written by: Pastor Joe Cameneti, Sr.
There is nothing quite like Christmas. I love this time of year, and I love reflecting on this moment that the Messiah entered the world! It’s important to remember, this is the most-told and most-heard story OF ALL TIME. So, if you’re anything like me, every December, you have to fight to see this for the first time all over again.
E127: The Meaning of Christmas, Embracing Life & Christianity with Pastor Joe Cameneti, Sr.
Here are 3 things you may have missed in the Christmas Story.
#1 God Chose a Small Place to do a BIG THING
We know the song, “Oh little town of Bethlehem,” but sometimes we fail to see what God was doing and WHY.
It was estimated to have a total population of less than 300 people at the time of Jesus’ birth. Bethlehem was the opposite of Big, but how fitting that the king of the universe came in such humble circumstances. So often we look for God to work a miracle or answer a prayer in the big, obvious ways, but God has a habit of choosing “the foolish things to confound the wise.” (1 Corinthians 1:27)
And, think about this. If Bethlehem is a small town, this would mean the shepherds who heard the announcement of His arrival could have been herding sheep in the very same pasture that David (Jesus’ ancestor) did! This is quite possibly where David penned the famous Psalm 23. At the very least, this is in the same hills and the same town!
How fitting that shepherds announced the coming of the great shepherd?
Matthew 2:6 ““ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”” (NIV)
In the same spot where David was overlooked to be the next king, here is Jesus, hidden and overlooked as the king of the world. What a lesson to learn. It’s possible to miss out on the miraculous because we’re looking for what man thinks is important.
E124: STN Presents: The Best Christmas Music from Area Performers for the Holidays
#2 Mary was the Pilot Episode of “16 & Pregnant”
There’s just “Something about Mary.” This story is crazy to us as the reader, but can you imagine what she was feeling? Mary was the original “Teen Mom,” and she was called upon to bring the Savior of mankind into the world!
Can you imagine the pressure she felt?? I mean, expecting moms are hard on themselves as it is, but to be carrying the Messiah! All of these things considered, look at her response to the Angel who delivered the message.
Luke 1:38 Mary said, “I am the servant of the Lord. Let this happen to me as you say!”
Every Christ follower is going to have moments when God asks them to do something that would be impossible without His help. Mary’s response was perfect, “Just as you say.” You and Mary have the same calling. Mary was called to carry the savior to a world in need, and so are we!
Group of Individuals Builds Bears for Kids Staying in the Hospital this Holiday Season
#3 Christmas is a Picture of Communion
Do you know what Bethlehem means? It literally translates to “house of bread.” This is a beautiful picture of what was taking place on this silent night. Jesus, “The Bread of Life,” was coming into the world!
And, how about this? Jesus was laid in a manger, right? The word manger comes from the same root word as “mangia” which means to eat in Italian!
John 6:35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
I believe Jesus was making a bold statement from day one of His life on earth. “You can try to find fulfillment in everything this world has to offer, but I am the only who who can fully satisfy the holy hunger deep in your soul!”
I pray these three things will give you a fresh perspective on this night that changed everything. God who always existed became a man so you can live!
From our family to yours – Merry Christmas!
