Christmas is certainly a special season in which we celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior.  Recently, I’ve been thinking about why His birth is so special, and I’d like to share some reflections with you.  Here are six lessons we can learn from the birth of Jesus.

1. The birth of Jesus was the fulfillment of many prophecies. This shows that God does nothing haphazardly or by accident. Everything He does is part of His divine plan.

“‘She will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.’ So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet” (Matthew 1:21-22, NKJV).

2.  Jesus came to make people’s lives better.  The Old Testament prophecies about Jesus’ birth proclaim that He will bring light over darkness, joy over mourning, and peace over distress and oppression.  “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be on His shoulder. … Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end” (Isaiah 9:6-7).  That means that His light, joy, and peace are still increasing for us today!  Our lives are always better with Jesus!

3. The virgin birth of Jesus was a miracle even His own mother didn’t understand.  “How can this be since I do not know a man?” Mary wondered (Luke 1:34).  Yet, in faith she declared, “With God nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37).

The miraculous birth of Jesus set the stage for the miraculous life of Jesus.  He healed the sick, raised the dead, multiplied portions of food, and calmed a raging storm.  “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30-31).

Indeed, His miracle-working power is still available to us today.  It’s not a far-fetched idea to believe God for a miracle; it’s who He is.

4.  God wanted a close relationship with mankind so much that He came to the earth to be with us in flesh.  “‘Behold the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel’ which is translated, ‘God with us’” (Matthew 1:23).  What a blessing it is to know that God is with you!

5. In knowing that God is with us, we should truly appreciate His presence.  When Mary gave birth to Jesus in Bethlehem, many people didn’t even take notice.  In fact, she “laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7).  Even today, we can become so consumed with the cares of the world that we leave no room for Jesus in our lives.  Let’s be careful not to let our hearts and minds be too crowded for Jesus.

6. Jesus brought goodwill toward men, and we should bring it too!  When He walked the earth, “Jesus went about doing good” (Acts 10:38).  Let us follow His example.  “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Indeed, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14).

May we carry these lessons with us in the Christmas season and always.  Merry Christmas!