Being The Few

“Behold, an angel appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: ‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel’ (which means God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus,” (Matthew 1:20-25). 

A very odd and unfortunate tendency among the Christians is to not pay as much attention towards the birth of Christ. Now, one reason for this may be that we are commanded to remember His death. Paul writing to the church in Corinth gives the Christians there some rebuke and instructions towards the Lord’s Supper. Paul tells the Corinthians, “For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when He was betrayed took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.’ In the same way also He took the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes,” (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). We have commands to remember the Lord’s death but no commands to remember and observe His birth. 

However, the main reason in which Christians often do not pay much attention towards the birth of Jesus Christ may have to do more with how the worldly “Christians” view Jesus’ birthday. Much of the world loves to celebrate the birth of Jesus around the Christmas holiday. Why? Well, many people like to teach that Jesus was born on Christian and is “the reason for the season.” But, for those who have thoroughly studied the Bible, it is known that there is no record of when Jesus was born and even more evidence to suggest that it would not have been during the winter months. However, this should not stop us from being encouraged by the birth of Jesus. 

The first book of the new testament is the gospel account of Matthew. Matthew begins the book by telling the genealogy of Jesus and then he goes onto share the account of Joseph and the angel. When Joseph found out about Mary’s pregnancy, it was believed by him that she must have been unfaithful and he was considering a separated of the two. However, and angel appeared to Joseph and told him that Mary was pregnant because the Holy Spirit has made her bear a son. 

For years there has been debates between friends about favorite Bible verses. Many people love John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” There is also a large amount of people that loves Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” These are both great and inspiring verses but one verse that sticks out is Matthew 1:21.

“She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins,” (Matthew 1:21).

Perhaps this verse does not touch those who do not know Jesus as well as those who do. Many know the story of Jesus well and understand the fact that without Jesus there would be no hope in the world and that everybody would be lost. But Jesus came to earth, left a home in Heaven, lived a life free from sin, with the weight of the world on His shoulders, died an excruciating death, all that the world may live. 

If you’re reading this, chances are you know the story of Jesus very well. But when you take a minute to read through the birth of Jesus, this verse sticks out as one of the most encouraging and hopeful verses there are. As Joseph was doubting his relationship with Mary, living in a world without much hope, an angel appeared before him to tell him that Jesus Christ is coming. 

Jesus Christ came, and Jesus Christ will be coming again. For many, this is not an encouragement but rather a call to action. For some, the second coming of Jesus Christ will be the greatest experience one could think of. 

“For many are called, but few are chosen,” (Matthew 22:14). 

Be The Few!