Christmas Morning Message at the Birth of the Savior in Bethlehem

Christmas Morning

Third Edition

Gospel Luke 2:1–20 Now to Bethlehem

At that time Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken throughout the whole empire. This first census was made while Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone went to be registered, each to his own town.

So Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to Bethlehem, the city of David, because he was of the house and lineage of David. He went there with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for Mary to give birth, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped the baby in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were shepherds in that region, keeping watch over their flock by night. Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord surrounded them. The shepherds 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 city 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 swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a great company of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.” When the angels had gone back to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw it, they made known what had been told them about the baby. Everyone who heard it was amazed. But Mary kept all that had happened, pondering it in her heart.

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. Everything was just as it had been told them. (Luke 2:1–20 Third Edition)

The Specialness of Christmas Morning

Christmas morning is a time when joy and peace permeate the air. In the Gospel of Luke, chapters 2:1–20, we hear of the birth of the Savior in Bethlehem. Many are familiar with the story, but its deeper meanings are truly immense. Angels announced the birth of the Savior to the shepherds, which shows how important this moment is. This event revolutionized history and continues to change hearts around the world.

The Birth of the Savior in Bethlehem

The Gospel of Luke beautifully describes the Journey to Bethlehem: Mary and Joseph search for a place where their child could be born. The birth of Jesus in a manger symbolizes the coming of light into the darkness. This was not just a physical event; it was God’s greatest love for humanity. In 2022, as the core of our faith is revealed, more than 2.3 billion Christians around the world will remember and celebrate this moment that brings light to life.

The Angel’s Message to the Shepherds

When the angels appeared to the shepherds, they said, “Do not be afraid, for I bring you good news of great joy.” The power of this announcement emphasizes the importance of the event: it was a message of peace and hope for all. The angels did not speak to just one shepherd; several shepherds heard the message. This emphasizes the power of community and the importance of sharing the good news. Moments experienced together in such interactions can change the course of lives.

When the shepherds hear the message, they say to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem!” This decision was not just a journey, but a spiritual adventure. The shepherds were in a hurry to find Jesus, and their journey reminds us of the challenges we face in our search for God’s will. As we know, the teachings Jesus published have been vital for over 2,000 years and have touched billions of lives.

Twice the Power of Evidence

The birth of Jesus was announced by multiple angels, giving the event stronger evidence. Over 25 percent of the Gospel text focuses on the significance of Jesus’ birth or events surrounding it. This reminds us that God wanted to make sure that the message reached as many people as possible.

God’s plan for the birth of the Savior was carefully thought out. This event was no coincidence; it was the fulfillment of God’s earlier promises. The prophecies of the prophets, such as those in the book of Isaiah (chapter 9, verse 6), speak of the Messiah who would come to us. Today, up to 70 percent of Americans celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday. This shows how deeply the birth of Jesus has influenced our culture.

A choir of angels sings

The Christmas Eve celebration is filled with joy. The angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” This was not just a heavenly choir; it was a universal celebration. According to the Bible, the choir of over 10,000 angels singing the praises symbolized the inauguration of God’s kingdom.

Before Jesus, the world was lost in a world of idolatry. Israel was God’s chosen people, and it is fascinating to see their faithfulness. Despite their failures, God kept his promise, and by providing for us through his Son, he demonstrated his deep love. This reminds us that God will never abandon us.

In our busy lives, we may forget the true meaning of Christmas. More than 80

percent of people admit that Christmas is stressful, but calming our hearts during the Christmas carols can hold great meaning. Christmas opens the door to God’s love and forgiveness. We are invited to reflect on what the Savior means to us today.

The Message of Christmas Morning

When the shepherds shared the good news, they remembered the value of community. The shepherds were not alone; they shared their experiences and joys with each other. This speaks to the importance of faith in community. Christmas time is an excellent time to share the good news with friends and neighbors. The light that was lit in Bethlehem is meant to be shared.

Christmas morning and the birth of the Savior live in our hearts, and they are not just memories of a past time. When we can understand the message of Christmas, gratitude and reverence awaken in our hearts. This is a message that unites us in a large family and brings hope to our lives.

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men of goodwill."

We may therefore hope that this Christmas season of ours will be filled with peace, joy, and love—not just at Christmastime, but throughout the year. The message of Christmas morning is an eternally timely reminder to us of what faith and love can accomplish.