The Nativity Story: Lessons for Modern Life
The Nativity is perhaps the most well-known Christmas story of all time. There have been abundant plays, movies, and reenactments of this ancient story. But rarely are there insights into the lessons it can teach us.
Although the birth of Jesus occurred over 2000 years ago on a still night in Bethlehem, the messages hidden in natural and supernatural events are timeless. There was nothing random about what happened. There’s a message in every detail of the Nativity for modern times.
Humility in Greatness
A stable in Bethlehem was not the place expected for God’s Son’s birth. But there, He was born to Joseph, a carpenter, and Mary, a teenager, who birthed him among animals and hay. He was wrapped in swaddling clothes, or milk rags, and placed in a feeding trough that became a manger.
Nothing about that seems befitting the King of Kings. In a world that chases popularity, fame, and wealth, the unassuming birth of Jesus shows that greatness can be wrapped in humble packaging. It teaches that, more than being recognized and lauded, living purposefully, in God’s will and service, is much more important.
Power of Simplicity
The simplicity of the Nativity is captured in every detail. Joseph and Mary had traveled on a donkey for miles, only to be turned down from every place of lodging. They made it to the stable just in time. Without fanfare or trumpet blasts, the Son of God, Savior of the world, was born.
His simple birth teaches us to appreciate the things in life that really matter. Christmas has become highly commercialized, but the Nativity reminds us of what brings peace, contentment, and joy. All the money in the world can’t buy these.
Power of Hope
The Nativity proves that the hope of a Redeemer, who had been prophesied for centuries, was now fulfilled. When Jesus was taken to the temple at eight days old, Simeon and Anna finally beheld the Hope they had long awaited.
Let this Christmas story remind you of the power of hope. Not only do we hope in God’s word, but we also hope in developing our faith, seeing change in society, and witnessing more people come to Christ.
Faith in God’s Plan
God’s plan from the foundation of the world was to send Jesus as our Savior. That plan was fulfilled at the Nativity, but God has a plan for each of us individually. God has a plan for the church, or the Body of Christ collectively. God has a plan for the world.
Seek God in faith to fulfill His plans concerning you. There was a reason Jesus’ birth was unattended by multitudes. With no doubters or naysayers, Jesus came into the world unnoticed. Yet His life impacted the world because He was the fulfillment of God’s plan. Let your faith in God affect your world as you walk in fulfillment of His plan.
Obedience to the Plan
Joseph and Mary were obedient to the plan. Joseph needed a dream to ease his doubts, and Mary’s visitation brought the news that she would give birth to Jesus. God used them to fulfill His plan. Those in the Christmas story were obedient to the plan. Learn the lesson of obedience through the Nativity. God desires your obedience as well.
Divine Direction
Not only did Joseph and Mary trust divine direction, but the shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem that night trusted God’s direction as well. Their quiet night was interrupted by the angel who declared the news of Jesus’ birth and told them where Christ lay. Then suddenly, a heavenly host of angels appeared singing His praises.
Just as the shepherds trusted the angels whom God divinely directed, you must trust His guidance in your life. Intimacy with the Father leads to hearing His divine direction.
Promise of Redemption
God’s promise of redemption came to pass at the Nativity. God foretold of Jesus in the Garden of Eden. Moses spoke of Him, as well as Isaiah, Hosea, Micah, and other prophets. In the fullness of time, God sent His Son into the world.
The Christmas story isn’t just a story, but it’s a promise fulfilled. Christ came to redeem mankind. He ushered in a new dispensation of grace and mercy. Receiving these gifts from God isn’t based on position, status, or wealth. His promises are free to all.
Conclusion
The Nativity teaches timeless messages, such as humility, simplicity, faith, obedience, divine direction, and the promise of redemption. Joseph, Mary, Jesus, the shepherds, and angels were there on that night.
This Christmas, while admiring a Nativity scene or watching a reenactment, embrace the hidden messages. This age-old story teaches lessons for our modern life.
