That First Christmas by Karen Ruhl

“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” – Galatians 4:4-5 NKJV

In 1985, we celebrated Christmas with a tiny newborn son. I remember holding him on Christmas and telling him how much we loved him. You see, we adopted him as our son, just as God adopted us into his family.

Imagine being alive during the time when Christ was born. Traveling across countries just to be counted in the census. The inns filling up with travelers. I imagine there may have been many food vendors set up along the path to feed those who were hungry. Men, women, and children walking or riding camels. Our imagination can conjure up many sights and yet we will never really know what that day looked like when Christ Jesus was born.

There is quite a difference between us adopting our son and God adopting us. God gave us His one and only son Jesus:

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6 NKJV

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” – Matthew 2:1-2 NKJV

When the wise men were sent out to find Jesus and were to report back to King Herod, they decided to take a different route back to their home without telling him where the child was living.

Did you know that the practice of giving gifts during Christmastide is symbolic of the presentation of the gifts by the Three Wise Men to the infant Jesus?

“And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.” – Luke 2:16 NKJV

I urge you to pick up your Bible during this Christmas season and read out loud to your family. Let them hear through the word of God about our Savior Christ Jesus. This is the best gift you can give anyone - that they know how precious they are in God’s sight if they follow Christ Jesus.

Read Luke 1 starting in verse 26. Turn off all distractions, put away your phone. Sit together, light a few candles so you are relaxed. And pray before you start reading. May you and your family feel the Christmas story as you read, may you grow to love Christ Jesus even more.