But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:4-5).

A son, born to die––heaven sent––lay swaddled in a feeding trough. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given” (Isaiah 9:6). Immanuel––God with us. Christ the child, through whom salvation had finally come.

I will provide a way, whispered God to His beloved. I will not leave you, nor will I forsake you. For, you are Mine.

A promise, whispered throughout the ages, was fulfilled in that moment through the birth of this child––this beautiful child, full of grace––the Light of the world. And on that first Christmas morn, light shone like never before into the darkness, terrifying and commanding the powers of darkness to flee.

But elsewhere, God spoke a soothing word to His people. “Fear not,” proclaimed God’s angel to some shepherds tending sheep nearby, “for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

Christ, the Lord. Savior of the world.

Love had come. God had become man and dwelt among us. And as time passed, this baby grew in both wisdom and stature into the greatest Man this world has ever seen. This Man––ushering in a new era, a new covenant––called for repentance and for all to leave behind the ways of this world and follow Him. It would be this Man who would prove to be the Son of God. The promised Messiah. God, Himself. The only Hope of the world.

It would be this Man who would show us the way. This Man who would display love like never before. Who would turn the ways of this world on its head.

The first is the last.

The greatest is the least.

The rich are the poor.

Truths, perceived through the Spirit, were proclaimed. Strength is found in weakness. Life is found in death.

Miracle after miracle was witnessed––the blind recovered sight, the deaf heard, the lame walked, the sick were healed, unclean spirits were driven out, and the dead were raised up. What else was needed to prove this Man’s deity?

This God-Man truly was the Light of the world.

Yet, it all began with that helpless babe in that lowly manger. It was Love that lay in that manger, Love incarnate. It was love that necessitated His birth, and love would later necessitate His death. This child was born that He could die on our behalf. The ultimate love-sacrifice that would bring God’s people back to Himself. Back into His embrace. A way had been provided, indeed!

For unto us, a child was born.

Unto us, a Son was given.

Merry Christmas!

Any thoughts? Share in the comments.

*This article first appeared on LaurieCoombs.org in 2013