A Reason to Celebrate

While in prison for his faith, the Apostle Paul wrote his protégé, Timothy, about the reason Jesus Christ came to live among us, that we must not be ashamed to testify about Jesus, and the promise of His return.  Let’s keep these things in mind as we celebrate Jesus’ birthday. 

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.  And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher.  That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. 

What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.  Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit 
who lives in us.  (2Timothy 1:9-14 NIV) [1]

---

[1] https://biblehub.com/niv/2_timothy/1.htm

 

Jesus' Birth in Bethlehem

The birth of the Jesus Christ in Bethlehem was foretold by the Prophet Micah:

 

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,

are only a small village among all the people of Judah.

Yet a ruler of Israel,

whose origins are in the distant past,

will come from you on my behalf.

(Micah 5:2 NLT) [1]

 

---

[1] https://biblehub.com/nlt/micah/5.htm

 

Immanuel

 

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign.

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, 

and shall call his name Immanuel (God with us).

(Isiah 7:14 ESV)[1] (parenthetical added)

 

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and of peace

there will be no end,

on the throne of David and over his kingdom,

to establish it and to uphold it

with justice and with righteousness

from this time forth and forevermore.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

(Isiah 9:6-7 ESV) [2]

[1] https://biblehub.com/esv/isaiah/7.htm
[2] https://biblehub.com/esv/isaiah/9.htm