Christianity has its roots in the deep , firm soil of history. Jesus' incarnation- God invading human history with His presence in the form of man - is on record. Every time you write the date, you attest to the fact that God entered human history. We used to say ," in the year of our Lord" or A.D. but that has been erased from our vocabulary.
Jesus came into the world so we might know that God cares how we live, what we believe, and how we will die. Jesus came to demonstrate to us that we were made to have a personal relationship with God. He came to bridge the gap that separated us from our Creator.
" Gd was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them." 2 Corinthians 5:19

The first Christmas worship service was conducted not in a temple, a cathedral, or a synagogue, but in the great outdoors. The tidings of Christ's birth echoed in the skies as the angle of the Lord proclaimed the good news to lowly shepherd.
Do you think it strange that this glad word was not first given to the priests, the scholars, or the Pharisees? The reason is very clear: God speaks to those who are prepared in their hearts to listen. Apparently these humble shepherds were prepared , and therefore able to discern the voice from Heaven above the din of earth's confusion. Most cannot hear today, because of this world's confusion.
Are you listening?
"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night." Luke 2:8

Mary was a virgin, engaged to a godly man by the name of Joseph, yet she was to be made pregnant supernaturally by the Holy Spirit. People talk, shame would be attached to the pregnancy, and Joseph would probably leave her. But by faith Mary said to Gabriel," I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said"( Luke1:38).
Mary accepted God's will for her life, no matter what it might cost her. Following her example, I pray that God would give me grace and courage to be faithful to Him, no matter what price I may be called to pay.
" The angle said to her." Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!...And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS."-Luke 1:28,31

Jesus Christ lived only thirty-three years, yet He transformed civilization. And after two thousand years, countless millions worship Him. Where did He come from? when He was born of the virgin Mary in a stable in Bethlehem, that was not His origin; that was His incarnation- His coming in flesh. The Bible teaches that He is God in human flesh, God Incarnate. Jesus- the eternal Son of God- never had a beginning; He will never have an end. He always was and He always will be.
Praise Him this holy season!
 
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel[ which means God with us]. "Isaiah 7:14 

Philosophers argued with Paul- but some who heard him were serious searches after truth. The religions and philosophies of the day left them empty, and they wanted to know the truth. And they heard it as they listened to Paul tell them about Jesus, and the hope we can have because of Him.
Are you searching for the truth? Don't let anything- or anyone-keep you from Jesus, who alone is "the way and the truth and the life"( John 14:6).
" While Paul was ...in Athens...he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there." (Acts17:16-17)