It began with the word of an old Prophet. The foretelling began and had lasted since the beginning of time, but we begin here with Isaiah. He spoke to a sinful nation of a Wonderful Counselor, a Mighty God. He foretold of an Eternal Father, a Prince of Peace. He tells us that this man will rule on the throne of David, and His dominion would be vast. How wonderful these words must have seemed, especially to a nation that often strayed from God. They soon forgot what God told them. Hoping for a conqueror by the sword, they forgot to seek a Holy King.
Many years would pass before the arrival of Christ is first announced to Zechariah, a Priest. He is visited by an angel named Gabriel and promised a son. But in he and his wife's old age, he does not believe the angel. Because of his disbelief, he is left mute by the angel. Many miles away, in the village of Nazareth, there lives a girl named Mary. The same angel visits her, and he tells her that she will bare a son. Mary is confused, because she is engaged but not yet married, and is still a virgin. But the angel tells her, "You will conceive and bear a son, and you will call His name Jesus." Mary faithfully accepts this news, and travels to meet her relative Elizabeth, the wife of Zechariah.
Elizabeth, now six months pregnant, rejoices because she knows that Mary is bearing the Son of God. Before he is even born, Elizabeth's child is proclaiming the arrival of the Son of God by leaping in her womb upon Mary's arrival. Mary rejoices in hearing this, singing, "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior!" Mary stays for three months with Elizabeth, and then leaves. Not long after, Elizabeth gives birth to a son. Zechariah is allowed to speak by God and they name him John. He would later be the one to baptize Jesus, and would die serving the Son of God.
A decree goes out from Caesar Augustus for there to be a census. Mary and her betrothed, Joseph, travel to Bethlehem, Joseph's native village. Joseph has been told of the birth of this child by an angel in a dream. The child is to be named Immanuel.
Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem. As soon as they arrive, Mary goes into labor. Finding no place in the town, they are directed by an innkeeper to a stable. The Son of God is then born in a barn and placed in a cattle trough.
Not far away, angels appeared to a group of Shepherds. In the midst of the glory of God, they say to them,
"Do not be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. This will be a sign for you; you will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough."
A multitude of angels appeared then, singing, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors!" Without delay, the Shepherds rush to meet the Newborn King. A group of wise men also sought out Jesus, having followed the eastern star. Arriving to Bethlehem, they presented the Son of Man with gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Mary treasured these things in her heart, because she knew that she had been blessed abundantly by God.
King Herod attempted to destroy Jesus, but to no avail. Years later, this child, born in so simple a setting in the poorest of conditions, would die to save the people of God. He would heal, preach, walk on water, die, and then come back to life, defeating death. His life would be perfect and beautiful, and He would live to die so we would not have to be separated from our Heavenly Father. His ministry was powerful, His impact eternal. And, ascending into Heaven, made us a promise: I will return. But He also charged us to spread the message of forgiveness, echoing the words of the heavenly host:
Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!
