In this special Christmas conversation of Let’s Talk: Truth in Love, recorded just after Christmas, we step back from the cultural noise surrounding the holiday to focus on what Christmas is truly about—the birth of Jesus Christ. While our culture emphasizes decorations, traditions, and celebrations, the Bible tells the Christmas story in a much richer and deeper way. In fact, Scripture gives us five distinct Christmas stories, each revealing a unique witness to who Jesus is and why He came.

We begin with Luke’s account (Luke 1–2), told largely from Mary’s perspective. Luke, a Gentile physician, carefully investigated these events, capturing the humility of a baby born in a manger, the wonder of angels announcing good news to shepherds, and Mary quietly pondering these things in her heart. This story reveals the identity of the child born in Bethlehem—Savior, Messiah, and Lord—conceived by the Holy Spirit, Son of God, and the fulfillment of God’s promise to all humanity.

Next, we turn to Matthew’s Gospel (Matthew 1–2), written from a Jewish perspective and focused on Joseph. Matthew emphasizes fulfilled prophecy, the genealogy tracing Jesus back to Abraham, and the visit of the Magi—highly educated, powerful Gentile king-makers who traveled far to worship the newborn “King of the Jews.” Their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh proclaim Jesus as King, Priest, and Sacrifice, revealing that this child came not only for Israel, but for the whole world.

The third Christmas story takes us deeper still—into eternity past. John 1 reveals that the baby in the manger is none other than God the Son, the eternal Word through whom all things were created. Christmas is not the beginning of Jesus; it is the moment the Creator stepped into His creation. Paul echoes this truth in Philippians 2, our fourth Christmas story, describing the breathtaking humility of Christ—who willingly laid aside heavenly glory to become fully human, obedient even to death on a cross, so that every knee might bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Finally, we return to the ancient prophecy of Isaiah 9:6–7—the fifth Christmas story—which reveals the purpose of the child born in Bethlehem. Jesus came to establish God’s Kingdom on earth, a reign of peace, righteousness, and justice that will never end. His names—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace—point us to the majestic mystery of the Trinity: three Persons, one God, united in love and redemption.

One story. Five witnesses. One Savior. Join us as we rediscover the depth, beauty, and eternal significance of Christmas through the full testimony of Scripture.

Looking for more? Dive deeper into the truth in love with these three insightful books:
• Moon in the Darkness
• Be with Jesus, Be like Jesus, Be for Jesus
• Christ in Us is the Hope of Glory

These books are available online. To learn more, visit https://friendsofthekingministries.org, where you can also read columns written for the Kingsport Times-News over the last eighteen years.

God bless, and we look forward to having you join us for the next episode.