The Original Gospel

Friends, as we come again to the familiar story of Jesus’ birth, we must ask a necessary question: Why is Christ in Christmas? The world is full of lights, gifts, trees, and characters who never appear in Scripture – and yet the true purpose of Christ’s coming is often hidden underneath these traditions. So, let’s return to the Bible itself, and let God tell us why the birth of His Son matters.

The real meaning of Christmas is not in the decorations, but in the fulfillment of God’s promises through the birth of Jesus Christ.

1. Luke 1 – The Promise to Mary… and the Promise to David

Luke’s Gospel opens by drawing us back into the story of Israel’s Scriptures. When Gabriel appears to Mary, he declares that her child “shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke 1:32–33).

This is not a new idea suddenly arriving in Nazareth. Gabriel’s words echo the ancient covenant given to David: “I will set up thy seed after thee… and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (2 Samuel 7:12–16). Though David’s dynasty faltered and his descendants often failed, Israel had long awaited the Messiah. Now, in Mary’s womb, the true seed of David – the promised King – was arriving.

The Weight of the Promise

Consider the weight of that moment. Mary was young, poor, and unknown, living in a small village. Yet she was chosen to carry the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises. The throne of David, the hope of Israel, the everlasting kingdom – all entrusted to her obedience and faith. This reflects God’s way: He fulfills His promises not through human power or prestige, but through humility and faith. As Paul later writes, “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called… That no flesh should glory in his presence.” (1 Corinthians 1:26,29).

The Long-Term Plan of God

The birth of Jesus is not merely a miracle – it is the culmination of God’s long-term plan for His Kingdom. Christianity does not begin in Matthew; it begins in Genesis and unfolds through the prophets, and all the Holy Scriptures. From the promise of the seed in Genesis 3:15, to the blessing of Abraham in Genesis 12:3 and his promised seed in verse 7, to the covenant with David in 2 Samuel 7:12-14, the whole Old Testament points forward to Christ.

The prophets spoke of this King: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder… Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David” (Isaiah 9:6–7). Jeremiah likewise prophesied: “I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth” (Jeremiah 23:5).

Jesus the Promised King

In Jesus, all these promises converge. He is the Son of David, the Son of the Highest, the King whose kingdom shall never end. His arrival is the fulfillment of centuries of longing, the assurance that God’s covenant faithfulness endures.

For us today, this truth anchors our faith: Jesus is not only the Saviour of the world, but the rightful King who will reign forever. His kingdom will be established not by human might, but by divine promise, and it invites us to live in obedience and faith, just as Mary did.

2. Luke 2 – The Shepherds and the Message of Peace

Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth highlights the surprising way God works. The announcement of the King’s arrival did not come to priests in the temple or rulers in palaces, but to shepherds – ordinary labourers watching their flocks in the fields. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD” (Isaiah 55:8). God’s kingdom begins in humility, not in human prestige.

Peace Announced—But Not Yet Fulfilled

The angels proclaimed: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased” (Luke 2:14, ESV). Notice the qualification: this peace is not yet universal. Jesus Himself later warned, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34). Following Christ can divide families and communities, as loyalty to Him demands ultimate allegiance (Matthew 10:35–36).

True and lasting peace will come only when Christ returns to reign as King. Isaiah foresaw this day: “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David” (Isaiah 9:7). Until then, His coming brings a choice for each one of us – between faith and unbelief, between light and darkness. That choice often brings strife to our lives now, but it also brings hope – and peace of mind to believers, if not yet to the whole world.

The Humble Recipients of the Gospel

The shepherds remind us that God’s message is for the humble, the ordinary, the overlooked. His kingdom is not announced in palaces, but in fields; not to the powerful, but to the lowly. Mary herself had sung, “He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away” (Luke 1:52-53).

The shepherds’ response was immediate: “They made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child” (Luke 2:17). They became the first evangelists, proclaiming the good news of the Saviour’s birth. We too, especially at this time of year, should be announcing the “Good News of the Kingdom of God” to all we meet.

Looking Forward to the Kingdom

At the very birth of our Lord, we are reminded that the gospel looks forward, not just backward. Christ’s birth is not only the fulfillment of ancient promises – it points toward His everlasting kingdom. His first coming brought salvation; His second coming will bring peace and justice to the whole earth (Psalm 72; Revelation 21:3–4).

3. A Stable, a Manger—Not a Palace

The King of the world did not begin His life in a palace, but in a manger. This was no accident – it was God’s deliberate way of showing that His kingdom is not built on earthly wealth or status, but on humility, obedience, and faith.

God Chooses the Lowly

Throughout Scripture, God consistently chooses the lowly to accomplish His purposes. Jesus himself would later say: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:3-5).

From a shepherd boy like David (1 Samuel 16:11–13), to fishermen like Peter and Andrew (Matthew 4:18–19), God works through ordinary people. His ways are higher than ours, beyond our comprehension, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:33). His kingdom does not operate like earthly kingdoms.

A Kingdom Unlike Any Other

The world expects grandeur, but God chooses simplicity. The world expects power, but God chooses weakness. The world expects prestige, but God chooses humility. Jesus taught: “Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Matthew 23:12).

Christ’s birth in a manger sets the tone for His entire ministry. He came not to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45). His kingdom is marked by humility, service, and sacrificial love, not by earthly glory. Servant Leadership, not the Self-Serving Leadership of men!

The Pattern for His Followers

The King of kings entered the world in humility, setting the pattern for His followers. As Jesus said after washing his disciples’ feet: “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” (John 13:14-15).

To follow Christ is to embrace humility, to lay aside pride, and to live in obedience and faith. His manger birth reminds us that greatness in God’s kingdom is measured not by status, but by surrender.

4. Matthew 1 – Matthew’s Genealogy: Proof of God’s Covenant Faithfulness

The very first verse of the New Testament sets the tone: “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1). With this, Matthew ties Jesus directly to the covenant promises:

• The seed of Abraham: “In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise to bless all nations through Abraham’s seed – to whom was promised the land (Genesis 13:15 and Galatians 3:16).
• The seed of David: “I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (2 Samuel 7:12–16). Jesus is the eternal King who reigns on David’s throne (Luke 1:32–33).

The Genealogy as Testimony

The genealogy in Matthew 1 is not merely a list of names – it is a testimony that God keeps His promises. Each generation, with its failures and triumphs, leads to Christ. It proves that the birth of Jesus belongs to the covenant story that defines the whole Bible.

Paul later affirms this truth: “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us” (2 Corinthians 1:20). The genealogy is Matthew’s way of declaring that Jesus is the fulfillment of every covenant promise – Abraham’s blessing, David’s throne, Isaiah’s prophecy, and the hope of Israel.

Relevance for Us

For believers today, Matthew’s genealogy is a reminder that God is faithful. His promises may take generations to unfold, but they never fail. Just as He brought forth His Son in the fullness of time (Galatians 4:4), He will also fulfill His promises to us. The birth of Christ is proof that God’s Word stands sure, and His covenant plan is unstoppable.

Matthew’s account of the conception and birth of Jesus focuses on Joseph, by reminding him, and us, that the birth of Jesus was the fulfillment of prophecy. He cites Isaiah’s words: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14), showing that Christ’s birth was no accident but the direct fulfillment of God’s promise.

God also reassures Joseph in a dream, because Joseph too needed faith, not just Mary. The coming of Christ required trust from both of them, as they stepped into the unfolding plan of God.

“Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21)

Jesus – Yah-Shua – The Salvation Of Yahweh. The Saviour promised since Genesis 3:15. The one through whom we can have our sins forgiven! “Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife” (verse 24)

5. Remembering Christ: Birth, Death, and Resurrection

We often emphasize Christmas – and there is nothing wrong with celebrating the miracle of Christ’s birth. Yet it is striking to note that Scripture never commands us to remember His birth. Instead, Jesus Himself gave a clear command: “This do in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19), referring to His death. Paul echoes this in “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come” (1 Corinthians 11:26).

The Birth Points Forward

The birth of Christ is essential, for without it there could be no cross or resurrection. But the manger points forward to Golgotha, and Golgotha points forward to the Kingdom to come. The angel’s announcement of His birth was filled with anticipation: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Even here, the emphasis is on His mission as Saviour, not merely His arrival as a child.

The Command of Christ

The Lord’s Supper is the central act of remembrance, keeping our focus on His sacrifice and victory over death. To elevate tradition above His command risks obscuring the heart of the gospel. As Paul warned, “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men… and not after Christ” (Colossians 2:8).

The Kingdom to Come

Christ’s birth is a doorway into the greater story – the cross, the resurrection, and the promise of His return. The manger reminds us of His humility, but the table reminds us of His sacrifice, and the empty tomb reminds us of His triumph. Together, they point us toward the everlasting Kingdom where He will reign in glory (Revelation 11:15).

6. Matthew 2 – The Wise Men

The wise men (or Greek – “Magi”) arrive – not at a manger in a the stable – but at a house (Matthew 2:11). They saw a young child, not a newborn baby. They likely came later, when Jesus was an infant – probably a year old. If they had left their home in the East when Jesus was born and the star appeared, it would several months to travel to Jerusalem. We also know later, after careful calculations, and probably adding months just to be ‘safe’, Herod later kills all the boys in Bethlehem aged two-years-old and under.

The appearance of the wise men has roots in Scripture as well. They were wise men from the East – quite possibly inheritors of the legacy of Daniel, the great wise man of Babylon. Their expectation may well have been shaped by Daniel’s prophecy of the 70 weeks (Daniel 9:24–27) pointing forward to the time of Messiah’s arrival.

And the star that guided them echoes the prophecy of Balaam in Numbers 24:17:

> “there shall come a Star out of Jacob…”

These wise men were not following speculation – they were responding to Scripture.

And where was the Messiah born? Not in Jerusalem, the city of kings, but in Bethlehem, just as Micah had foretold (Micah 5:2). Again, God overturns human expectations. God works in humility – not in the grandeur of earthly power.

The Gifts of the Magi: Their Meaning Then and Now

When the wise men arrived to worship the newborn Christ, they brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). These offerings were far more than tokens of honour; they carried deep prophetic meaning that continues to speak to us today.

Gold: The Gift of Kingship and Faith

Gold was the traditional gift for royalty, acknowledging Jesus as the King of Kings. Yet Scripture also uses gold as a symbol of faith refined by fire: “that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7). Just as gold endures purification, our faith is tested and strengthened through trials. To bring gold to Christ today means offering Him our loyalty, our trust, and the best of our lives.

Frankincense: The Gift of Worship and Prayer

Frankincense was a costly incense used in temple worship, its smoke rising as a symbol of prayers ascending to God. The psalmist prayed, “Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense” (Psalm 141:2). By presenting frankincense, the Magi recognized Jesus’ priestly role – He is the One who mediates between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 4:14–16).

Today, frankincense reminds us that our worship and prayers are precious offerings, rising like incense to God, through his son the Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 8:3-4).

Myrrh: The Gift of Sacrifice and Love

Myrrh was used both as an anointing oil and as a burial spice. It foreshadowed Jesus’ suffering and death, pointing to His role as the Lamb of God who would give His life for the world (John 19:39–40). Yet myrrh also appears in a tender moment of devotion: Mary of Bethany poured costly ointment on Jesus’ feet, filling the house with fragrance (John 12:3). Many scholars believe this ointment contained myrrh. Her act symbolized love, sacrifice, and preparation for His burial.

For us, myrrh calls us to remember His sacrifice and to respond with gratitude, devotion, and willingness to pour out our lives in service to Him.

Their Relevance Today

The gifts of the Magi were not random – they were prophetic signs pointing to Christ’s mission. They invite us to bring our own offerings:

• Gold: our faith, tested and refined, given in loyalty to Christ.
• Frankincense: our prayers and worship, rising as a pleasing fragrance to God.
• Myrrh: our devotion and gratitude, even in sacrifice, remembering His death and resurrection.

Together, these gifts remind us that Christ is our King, our Priest, and our Saviour. They challenge us to live lives of faith, prayer, and sacrificial love, echoing the devotion of the wise men.

7. Christ, Not Customs: The True Center of Christmas

If Christ is central, we must also be honest: many Christmas customs – trees, Santa Claus, and other traditions – have no biblical foundation. Many of these practices come from pre-Christian or secular sources. While lights, gift-giving, and family gatherings can be wholesome expressions of joy and fellowship, they are not the gospel.

Traditions vs. Truth

Traditions can enrich family life, but they must never overshadow the truth of the gospel. The danger is subtle: when customs become the focus, Christ is displaced. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for this very error: “Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition” (Matthew 15:6). The lesson is clear – tradition must serve truth, not replace it.

Glorifying God’s Promise

The true meaning of Christmas is not found in decorations or festivities, but in the fulfillment of God’s promise in Christ. “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen” (2 Corinthians 1:20). The birth of Jesus is the assurance that God’s covenant plan is unfolding, and our call is to glorify Him for sending His Son into the world (John 3:16).

The Right Focus

When Christ is the focus, even simple customs – sharing gifts, gathering with family, lighting candles – can become reminders of His light and love. But when customs replace Christ, they lose their meaning. The gospel is not about trees or traditions; it is about the Saviour who came to redeem us and establish His everlasting kingdom.

8. Why is Christ in Christmas?

• Because only Christ explains Christmas:
• Because He is the promised King
• Because He is the seed of David
• Because Jesus Christ is the blessing to all nations
• Because He is the Saviour born in humility
• Because Jesus is the King who will bring peace in the future

If we celebrate Christmas without Him, we have nothing but sentiment.

If we keep the birth but forget the promise, we have missed the point.

If we focus on the manger but ignore the cross, we have lost the purpose of His coming.

Conclusion

The world may celebrate Christmas with trees, lights, and Santa Claus, but the true meaning of Christmas is not found in these traditions. It is found in Christ – the promised King, the humble Saviour, the fulfillment of God’s Word. Without Him, Christmas is empty. With Him, Christmas is the reminder that God’s promises never fail, and that His ways are higher than ours.

Christ came to fulfill God’s covenant promises. His birth is the beginning of God’s plan of redemption, pointing forward to His death, His resurrection, and His coming Kingdom. So let us remember Christ – not simply with trees or songs or holiday customs – but with faith in the promises God made, and confidence in the future He has promised.

Why is Christ in Christmas? Because without Christ, Christmas has no meaning.