The narrative of the Nativity is what Christmas is all about.
Stories often have the power to persuade, educate, and entertain. While we often speak of the "Christmas story," we encounter more than just a story at Christmas. What happened that first Christmas is part of an epic narrative. Narratives invite participation. And Scripture, at its heart, is a narrative, not simply a collection of stories. In its pages, we see how the God of the universe has chosen to reveal himself to us. How he interacts with us in time and space, provides a Savior to us when we need him most, and builds for us an eternal home.
At the center of this grand divine narrative is the incarnation of the promised Messiah. The events of that first Christmas have been recounted for over two thousand years and have been shared on every continent and in hundreds of languages. It is a timeless saga of hope and rescue. The narrative of the Nativity is what Christmas is all about. This narrative has everything: intrigue and scandal, an epic journey, and plot twists galore. And these events changed the world. The events of this narrative are not a matter of coincidence or happenstance, nor do they belong within the realm of fiction. Instead, this narrative is planned, purposeful, and true.
The prophets in the first part of the narrative foretold that this would happen. It was pre-planned to come to pass in the fullness of time. A child was to be born, a son was given, and the government would be upon his shoulders. He was to be called a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Is. 9:6).
The setting for this narrative? That, too, was planned by the prophets, "But you O Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are one of the smallest towns in Judah, but out of you, I will bring a ruler for Israel, whose family line goes back to ancient times" (Micah 5:2).
The purpose was to bring about the rescue of humanity from the deep night of sin and to usher in the light of the world who will save all people. That light would grow in wisdom and stature. He was destined to crush the head of the serpent, fulfilling another prophecy of old. And the more scrutiny placed on the events of the Nativity, the more solidified it is in history. The narrative of the Nativity is why many will gather in houses of worship this season, and today, I invite you to hear it anew:
When Caesar called for all to be enrolled,
To Bethlehem, where David's line was told,
Went Joseph with his Mary, full with child,
Through crowded streets and pathways wild.
No room was found, no welcome embrace;
A stable stood, a humble place.
And there, at night, the Savior was born
For you, He came—to all forlorn.
While shepherds watched their flocks nearby,
A brilliant light burst forth across the sky.
An angel came, heaven's glory shone;
The shepherds trembled, frightened and alone.
"Fear not," he said, "for you joy is born—
For you, a Savior comes this morn.
In Bethlehem, go seek the one who saves,
Wrapped softly, lying where cattle graze."
Then countless angels filled the starry night,
Their voices singing praises pure and bright:
"Glory to God, and peace to all below—
To you God's love and mercy overflow!"
The angels left; the hills grew still once more.
The shepherds cried, "Let's see what's now in store!
The news is ours! To Bethlehem, we'll go,
For God has sent His gift to earth below."
They hurried off, excitement in stride,
And there they found the prophesied.
In swaddling clothes, the baby lay—
A Savior born for you that very day.
This Child would grow, His life a gift of grace,
For you, He'd bear the world's deep sin in place.
Through cross and tomb, He'd conquer death and shame,
For you, forgiveness rests upon His frame.
The shepherds left, proclaiming all they'd heard,
Their voices bold, hearts lifted by the Word.
And Mary watched, her soul so full of peace—
God's love for you, through Christ, would never cease.
So hear the song the angels sang that night:
"For you, a Savior shines His perfect light.
This gift of love, this Child who sets all free,
Was born for you—God's gift eternally."
Wouldn't it have been amazing to be there and see the Christ child lying in the manger? Imagine witnessing the angel chorus or traveling with the shepherds. It must have been a mind-blowing experience to see the Savior's tiny hands squeeze his feet and know just what they would one day do. What if I were to tell you you could?
The narrative of the Nativity continues today! It continues every time we hear the Word proclaimed, the story of salvation that comes for us, and that our sins have been forgiven. Every time we hear God's word, we once again encounter the narrative of the Nativity. Do you want to see the baby lying in a manger with your own eyes, the baby born of Mary, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger? It's as easy as this: grab a Bible, crack open the Word, and see the Scriptures!
Martin Luther once wrote, "The Bible Is the Cradle Wherein Christ Still Lays."
Every time you open your Bible, you behold the glory of God as you witness the same amazing sights as the shepherds, come face to face with all those things that Mary pondered in her heart, and encounter the Savior who is Christ, the Lord who loves you, who goes to the cross for you so that you would be forgiven and granted eternity in heaven.
This Christmas, we celebrate the coming of the Christ child, and every time the Word is proclaimed, the Christ child is once again present to provide all that you need: to proclaim freedom for the captives and forgiveness for the forlorn. Look and see for yourself the Savior who has come for you! In this narrative, your sins are forgiven, and you are free. And that is the best gift you will ever know.
