I believe the birth of Jesus Christ to be the single most significant event of all  time.

Think about it.

The God who spoke the world into existance implanted Himself in the womb of a young Jewish girl who had never been married, underwent nine months of gestation, and then was born as an infant. Although He looked exactly like any other newborn baby, He was anything but ordinary. His birth absolutely rocked our world right down to its foundations. Let’s look at a couple of reasons why that would be true.

The End of the Beginning

Prior to the birth of Christ, we have the long story of God’s interaction with the human race, centering primarily on the family of Abraham. God assures Abraham that all the nations of the earth will be tremendously benefited through his family line. From that humble beginning and that simple word begins a story that has more ups and downs, twists and turns, than a highway running through the Rocky Mountains.

As one reads through this lengthy narrative, one could easily wonder how any of it fits together in order to have any relevance in the greater scheme of things. However, like any great prelude that sets the stage for what is about to come, everything in this story points toward a day when God’s Saviour would come and make things right in the world. From the first promise of the Seed of woman that would crush the serpent’s head, to Malahci’s prophecy of the Sun of Righteousness rising with healing in His wings, everything pointed to Jesus Christ. The moment that Infant’s cry rent the Middle Eastern sky, the prelude came to a conclusion and the next phase of the story began.

The Beginning of the End

The birth of the Christ Child marked the beginning of the end for everything evil that had plagued man since his rebellion in the Garden of Eden. Through this Child’s death on a cross the dominion of sin would be brought to an end. Through this Child’s resurrection from the dead the reign of man’s most dreaded enemy, death, would be brought to a conclusion. Through His life, death, and resurrection, God’s enemy, Satan, would be cast out.

All of this has been accomplished and awaits its full manifestation. The Christ has now ascended to Heaven where He remains enthroned at His Heavenly Father’s right hand. He has left His followers as an occupying force until the time of His return. When He comes again, He will not come as a Babe in a manger. He will come as King of kings and Lord of lords. Then all the kingdoms of the world will become His. Then death will be obliterated for all time. Then all wars and all opression will cease. Christ will usher in a Kingdom characterized by absolute peace and justice.

We Have to Decide

We have to make a decision as to what we will do with this Child. If we simple scoff and turn aways, treating His story as a cute fairytale to be told to children at Christmas time, we will forever be the loser. If, on the other hand, we will bow before Him as our Saviour and King, we will know the joys of life eternal. Then we will get to be with Him forever, living in the Reign.

M