Christmas is all about Jesus. It is the day we celebrate His coming into the world as a baby, born of a virgin; we call it the incarnation. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14). Seven hundred years before the birth of Christ, the prophet Isaiah said, “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” (Isaiah 7:14).
Matthew records that the angel of the Lord said to Joseph:
Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. All of this took place to fulfill what the Lord said through the prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.” (Matthew 1:20-22)
Luke records the angel’s conversation with Mary:
You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end. (Luke 1:31-33)
Then the angel said, “So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35).
It is no wonder the angel in Luke 2:10 said, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Then the angel once again identifies who the baby is. “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).
We understand several things from these passages: Jesus was born of a virgin as fulfillment of prophecy. In Jesus, God came down to earth in the flesh to be with humankind. Jesus is the Savior of His people, He is great, and He rules over an eternal kingdom. He is the Messiah, the Son of God, and Lord. Christmas is truly a joyful celebration for those who know Jesus and know who He is.
It is not a celebratory occasion for Muslims, who regard Jesus as only a prophet. Muhammad taught that Jesus is not divine, He is not the Son of God, and regarding Him as such is blasphemous. Many religious people have never heard the Good News about Jesus, but no religion is as anti-Christ as Islam.
This Christmas, focus on the centrality of Jesus. Look for opportunities to share the Good News of Jesus with co-workers, neighbors, and friends who don’t know Jesus. If you have Muslim friends or co-workers, invite them over for dinner and read the Christmas story from Luke 2 or sing a few Christmas carols and then explain what they mean. Help them understand what Christians celebrate at Christmas! Share the glorious gospel for it truly is Good News. No wonder the song writer wrote, “Go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is Lord!”