The Savior Is Born

OPENING ILLUSTRATION: "A small cathedral outside Bethlehem marks the supposed birthplace of Jesus. Behind a high altar in the church is a cave, a little cavern lit by sliver lamps. You can enter the main edifice and admire the ancient church. You can also enter the quiet cave where a star embedded in the floor recognizes the birth of the King. There is one stipulation, however. You have to stoop. The door is so low you can’t go in standing up.

The same is true of the Christ. You can see the world standing tall, - - but to witness the Savior, you have to get on your knees. So … {out there in Bethlehem, the night when Jesus was born} while the theologians were sleeping, and the elite were dreaming, and the successful were snoring, the meek shepherds were kneeling. They were kneeling before the One only the meek will see. They were kneeling in front of Jesus." (Max Lucado in his book, The Applause of Heaven)

INTRODUCTION: The story of Christmas begins with a decree and a journey, leading to a simple yet extraordinary moment that changed the course of history. Luke 2:1-7 captures the humble circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ—the Savior entering the world not in grandeur, but in quiet simplicity. From Caesar Augustus's decree for a census to Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, we are drawn into the fulfillment of prophecy in the "House of Bread," where the Bread of Life was born.

Bethlehem itself is rich with symbolism—a place known as the home of shepherds and sacrificial lambs, pointing to the mission of Jesus as the Lamb of God. Laid in a manger, where farm animals ate their food, Jesus’s birthplace foreshadows the Eucharist, where He becomes spiritual sustenance for the world. The detail of Him being wrapped in swaddling cloths speaks to both His humanity and His divine mission, while the lack of room in the inn reflects the challenges of making space for Christ amidst the busyness of life.

This text invites us to step into the wonder and mystery of the Incarnation. It reminds us that God's greatest gift was delivered in the humblest of settings, revealing His love for humanity in a way that transcends time. This Christmas, as we reflect on this passage, may we embrace the quiet beauty of the nativity and open our hearts to the Savior born for us that holy night.

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CHRIST’S BIRTH?

1. BETHLEHEM: THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE BREAD OF LIFE

Bethlehem, whose name inspires thoughts of nourishment and provision, now weaves its story into the grand tapestry of God’s salvation plan. “For out of you,” the prophet Micah writes, “shall come forth a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel” (Micah 5:2). How fitting that the Bread of Life, Jesus Christ, should come from the "House of Bread," to quench not just our physical hunger but the deep spiritual longing within us all.

This very town, small and seemingly insignificant, had been chosen by God to become the birthplace of the most extraordinary gift humanity would ever receive: His Son, whose body would become the true bread, broken for us, giving life to the world (John 6:33).

2. LAMB OF GOD: BORN IN BETHLEHEM

The details in Luke’s Gospel reminds us that Jesus’ birthplace, Bethlehem, holds special significance. This was the place where lambs for temple sacrifice were born and raised. These were lambs without blemish, carefully inspected and set aside to be offered as atonement for sin. And so, in the same place comes the birth of Jesus, the true Lamb of God, who would one day take away the sins of the world (John 1:29).

Consider the shepherds tending their flocks near Bethlehem at the time. Scholars suggest that these shepherds cared for sacrificial lambs. When angels announced Jesus’ birth to them, it was fitting—they were called to behold the Lamb of God who would fulfill the ultimate sacrifice. This imagery reminds us that Christ, the new Lamb without blemish, was born spotless, perfect, and holy—a gift of salvation given freely to us.

3. WRAPPED IN SWADDLING CLOTHS AND LAID IN A MANGER

The swaddling cloths hold profound meaning beyond their function as protective garments for a newborn child. In the ancient practice of raising sacrificial lambs at the nearby Migdal Eder, or "Tower of the Flock," newborn lambs were wrapped in swaddling cloths to keep them unblemished for sacrifice. These cloths symbolized purity and the preparation for offering.

How powerful it is to realize that Jesus Himself was wrapped in these same symbols of sacrifice even as an infant! From the moment of His birth, God’s plan was clear: Jesus was born to be our perfect offering, the one whose sacrifice would open the way to salvation for all humanity.