Luke 2
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
At Christmas we celebrate the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. Had there been no Christmas there also would have been no Easter or Pentecost. The greeting “Merry Christmas” refers to the miracle of miracles, God becoming flesh, being born of a virgin.
At Christmas numerous miracles took place.
1) Firstly, God prompted Caesar Augustus to take a census. This brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem. Although Caesar Augustus might have done it for his own interests, God controls all things, even the hearts of the kings so that His purposes might be fulfilled (Prov 21:1).
2) Although Joseph and Mary were poor and there was no place for them in the inn, they rejoiced greatly when Mary gave birth to the Lord Jesus, their Messiah and Redeemer. The hardships they experienced in the stable and their own lack of material things meant little to them. They were overjoyed to see God working.
3) Angels appeared unto the shepherds in the field, while they were keeping watch over their flock by night, and told them about their Saviour’s birth. These shepherds must have known God and been praying for the coming of the Messiah. The angels also rejoiced greatly at the coming of the Messiah, for they were witnesses of Satan’s rebellion in heaven. Now they were eager to see God’s victory over Satan.
4) A bright star lead the wise men from the east to Bethlehem where Jesus was born.
God’s miraculous working at Christmas should touch you deeply. You must experience personally the power of God to save from sin, and have the burning desire to spread the Good News to those who do not know.