It happens that my brother, mum and my birthday all fall within a week’s time; 29th Dec, 1st and 5th January. How long was this planned for? Did my grandparents and parents make plans beforehand? Did they sit to do the maths? Well, your guess is like mine. It’s pure coincidence. But you have to see why this got me thinking.
Now, let’s go back 2000 years ago. While my birthday and that of my family might be just coincidence, you will find it extremely difficult to say the same about Jesus’ birthday. Because while I didn’t have a say on when and where and in which family to be born, Jesus did; see Isaiah 7:14, 9:6,7.
700 years before, his exact birth details were prophesied and God’s people waited for him. As a matter fact it goes beyond that back to Abraham and before to the very beginning, see Matthew 1, John 1;1-5, Luke 24: 27.
Who get’s to plan his own birthday before he is born? Who get’s to make sure it happens according to plan and prepares many to proclaim, wait and witness it? Who could decide when and where to be born and escape the treachery of a rival powerful king as a baby while fulfilling prophecy, Matthew 2:16-18.
And why was he born? …and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins Matthew 1:21.
You have to conclude this was not a mere coincidence, only God could do that. And if that is the case then you cannot ignore Jesus and the reason he came. As you enjoy Christmas, please consider Jesus message and the hope he gives to those who are his people in a perishing world. May 2018 be a new year to review your attitude about God and Jesus claim as revealed in the Bible.
What a great joy it is for those who are his people, those of us who sins are forgiven in Jesus. In the words of Psalm 32; we are the blessed people.
Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
2 Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
Happy new year!
A life in time to Preach 