Don't Leave Jesus in the Manger!

Today, Al Mohler posted some great thoughts on the importance of telling the Christmas story in the context of the entirety of God's word, specifically the Old Testament. He says:

Why is this so important? Put simply, if we get the Christmas story wrong, we get the Gospel wrong. Told carelessly, the Christmas story sounds like God's "Plan B." In other words, we can make the Christmas story sound like God turning to a new plan, rather than fulfilling all that he had promised. We must be very careful to tell the Christmas story in such a way that we make the gospel clear.

You see, as secularized as our world has become, a majority of people are still excited about baby Jesus at Christmastime. We see nativity scenes in amongst all the other decorations and sing songs about the "Sweet Little Jesus Boy." All this is good. However, this excitement quickly fades after the lights go out and our refuse raises the lid on our trash can in salute of our consumerism. It's as if we leave Jesus in the manger and never come close to grasping the significance of the incarnation.

For the last few years several wonderful public school teachers in our church have invited our staff into their classrooms and tell the Christmas story to their students. It's a great privilege. In telling the story, I begin with creation and the fall and then proceed to Mary and Joseph, baby Jesus, and the shepherds. After I get the passed the the wise men, I ask the kids, "Do babies stay babies?" They always answer with a resounding "No!" I usually say something like, "Of course not. You didn't stay a baby, did you? No. You got bigger, stronger and taller. Jesus didn't stay a baby either." I then fast-forward to the crucifixion and explain the Jesus was punished and died for the wrong things we have done.

You see, the Christmas story has no significance apart from the cross. And, only in light of the cross do we understand the true beauty and wonder of the nativity.

I want to encourage you to give your kids the best gift and tell them the whole story of God's word. From creation, to the cross, to His coming again... All of His-story.

We will not hide them from their children,
but tell to the coming generation 

the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, 

and the wonders that he has done. 

Psalms 78:4

Merry Christmas