Bethlehem Lutheran Church

God chose to reveal the birth of his Son to Jews and Gentiles. God sent angels to announce Christ’s birth to shepherds (Jews) and He used a miraculous star to lead the Magi (Gentiles) to Christ. Both Jew and Gentile hearts were moved by their experience.

According to the prophet Isaiah, the epiphany of our Lord continues yet today as God reveals Himself to people through His Word and Sacraments.

And at this joyous time as well as throughout the year, the chief sign we need is always right in front of us – Jesus is Immanuel…God with us.

The problem is, by our own understanding, we can’t recognize what this sign means for us. What’s worse is when folks do see it, but don’t want to understand what it means.

Being able to see what God’s doing and how He fulfills His promises isn’t an easy thing. God’s Word teaches us that it’s not contingent on us. This recognition happens through and because of God’s Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit always points us to God's sign…Jesus who is God with us.

The 'sign' the shepherds found was a small bundle of humanity, wrapped in strips of cloth, stiff, unable to move. This is the 'sign' of everything you need – "good news of great joy that will be for all the people." This 'sign' pointed to "a Savior who was born to you." A Savior who has been raised for you! He is Christ, the Lord!

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

People play all sorts of games trying to figure out what the future holds or what the universe is telling them. In the birth of Jesus, God gives us the greatest sign, the only one we really ever need, the sure and certain sign of His enduring love for us.

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

When the Magi arrived in Jerusalem looking for the birthplace of "the One

who has been born king of the Jews," the scholars turned to Micah who prophesied that not only was Bethlehem the place where the Messiah was to be born but His arrival brought peace to His people.

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Christmas celebrates the gift of God's love for all in Jesus Christ. The children (especially) receive Christmas presents because they are loved by people who know the love of God.