The Christmas holidays are hectic. Shopping, decorating, traveling, baking and preparing for parties are staples within the American culture. It is also a time when an increasingly God-less society turns its attention to the Savior for a brief time. Instead of taking this opportunity to discuss the amazing miracle of Jesus’ conception and birth, too often we focus on “educating” the general public on the fact that Jesus was not born on December 25. Shouldn’t we praise God for His faithfulness and creativity in the fulfillment of a series of ancient promises? What a wasted opportunity!

For example, in the midst of an attempted siege, Isaiah the prophet foretold of God’s plan to not only rescue Jerusalem but to bring about the miraculous birth of the Savior.

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel. -Isaiah 7:14

This virgin would give birth to “Immanuel” which means “God with us.” God would be with His people like never before, walking as one of them. Two chapters later, Isaiah describes what the promised child would accomplish.

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.You shall multiply the nation, You shall increase their gladness; they will be glad in Your presence as with the gladness of harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For You shall break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian. For every boot of the booted warrior in the battle tumult, and cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire. For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.

-Isaiah 9:2-7

God sent Jesus, “Immanuel,” to bring hope, direction and great joy to a downtrodden, abused people. He would establish a new Kingdom built upon justice and righteousness. This Jesus would be unlike any ruler before Him. After all, Jesus was no ordinary or even extraordinary man. He was God Himself.

Was Jesus born on December 25? Probably not. Does it matter? Probably not. It does not change what God promised and later fulfilled in bringing our Savior to earth. It does not change the way God chose to work His plan. During this time of celebration, when even this increasingly pagan society pauses to remember Jesus, let us take the time to celebrate with them in hopes of having an opportunity to really introduce them to God. Even if that opportunity does not come, Christians have the added bonus of praising the Creator for His faithfulness and creativity in sending Jesus.