by Sandra Merville Hart

Lighting Christ’s candle, the fifth white candle in the center of the Advent wreath, was a celebration of Jesus’ birth for early Christians, as it is today.

Prophets foretold of His birth centuries before the event that changed the world.

For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given,

And the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

When it was time, God sent His Son.

But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.

Galatians 4:4-5

I’ve often reflected on the multitude of angels praising God for the wondrous gift of His Son, a gift for all people everywhere. The angels must have filled the night sky around the shepherds. Can you imagine the wonder mingled with fear that overcame the shepherds the night that Jesus was born?

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 of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ 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, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2:8-14 (NIV)

The shepherds had to see the miracle with their own eyes.

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.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in a manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Luke 2:15-19

Why did God send His Son for us?

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

John 3:16 (NIV)

Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed Christmas.