1 John 4:10
“By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.”
When we consider the Birth of Christ, do we fully understand what a miracle that event was and what makes His birth miraculous? Have you ever pondered this question, ”What if Christ had never been born?” In a conversation I had with a friend recently, we agreed that our lives would be so different if we had never known and trusted Jesus for salvation. We couldn’t even comprehend what it would look like for us or for our loved ones, especially those going through suffering and loss this year. The impact of Christ on the us and the world around us is incredible. Even so, a 2013 Harris Poll found that only 57% of folks in the United States believe in the virgin birth, yet 72% believe in miracles.
Just looking through world history it is easy to see the influence of Christ upon people and how they, in turn, had an impact on the world around them. Of course, we can see His influence in the spiritual realm but also in the shaping of world governments, world history, the arts, education, medicine, and civil-liberties, just to name a few. The influence of Christ in the lives of His people on the world has been incredible.
So back to the original question: what truly makes Christ’s birth a miracle? First, the miracle of his conception and birth; second, the miraculous protection on Christ when God told Joseph to go to Egypt to escape Herod’s wrath; third, His return to Nazareth to fulfill Old Testament Prophecy. These miracles relate to His birth; others relate to His death and resurrection which were prophesied and fulfilled. They are not coincidences! The entire Christian faith is based upon a divine act of a supreme God, who orchestrated Jesus birth, death and resurrection to save all humanity from their sins. Sounds like a miracle, doesn’t it?
Father in heaven, we are so thankful that, in Your divine act, You orchestrated a plan that You had in mind from the beginning of time. What miracles took place! What love you showed to make a way for us to be with You forever! You had us in mind when Jesus was born so that we might live through Him. God of the miraculous, thank you for Your love manifested in us. Amen.
~ painting by Mike Moyers
