“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. “ Luke 2: 7
I am almost sure the birth of Christ didn’t happen as it’s depicted with today’s polished Nativity scenes. Heck, it didn’t happen on December 25 either. Some say it probably took place in the early spring. The only thing that matters is that Our King left His throne to come down to this dark, crummy earth to save mankind from their sins! We happen to celebrate that on December 25. Even the unsaved acknowledge baby Jesus at Christmas time. But after Christmas, He’s stored away with all of the other decorations until the next year… but that’s for another article! Here are some symbols that perhaps will make you look at Christmas differently from now on…
Did you know that Bethlehem means a house of bread or a bakery? God sent bread from His bakery; His only Son. When we look at our nativity sets we see a picturesque scene. That night, Joseph’s only option was to lay down his wife in a filthy manger filled with smelly, dirty animals to give birth to her first son. In our nativity sets we see a restful and lovely looking crib filled with clean, golden straw where the baby Jesus is sleeping. He was actually laid in the animals feeding trough. A feeding trough is where animals eat, right? Jesus is the bread of life. What an awesome symbol…
“Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. “For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” Then they said to Him, “Lord, give us this bread always.” And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. John 6: 32-35
I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.” John 6: 51
Our Christmas tree is a symbol of the cross. Typically, we use Evergreen trees. Do you know why? Evergreen trees keep their color, and this is how we can link to ever-lasting life…
“… who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness–by whose stripes you were healed.” 1 Peter 2: 24
And for all of the twinkling lights on our tree…
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5: 14, 16
Jesus is the light of the world; we are also lights in a dark world. The star on top of our tree…
“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” Matthew 2: 2
“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” Revelation 22: 16
The gifts under the tree represent an expression of love; as God gave us “the Gift of Jesus.” The ornaments represent how God wants to decorate our lives with fruits of the Spirit….
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Galatians 5: 22-23
And for those out there who love to fill your homes with the scent of potpourri…
“Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” Ephesians 5: 2
Lastly, Christmas bells are a symbol of our freedom and liberty in Christ Jesus…
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8: 36
