Christmas is more than just a holiday filled with stress and endless to-do lists. It’s actually the most important event in human history, the Birth of Jesus Christ. Every time you write a date, you’re acknowledging this truth, as Christ’s birth literally divided history into BC and AD.

Christmas wasn’t our idea. It was God’s plan from the beginning!

Read about it here in Luke 2:8-14.

God chose ordinary people on purpose.

When God announced the birth of His Son, He didn’t choose kings, priests, or influential leaders. Instead, He chose shepherds. These were ordinary men doing ordinary work in an ordinary field. These weren’t the people society would expect to receive such monumental news.

Shepherds occupied the lower rungs of the social ladder. They had unpredictable schedules, were on call at all times, and their clothes smelled like sheep because they lived with their flocks. Their work kept them from attending temple worship and important social events.

Nevertheless, God chose them!

There’s no shame in being what society calls “ordinary.” Much of adult life consists of getting up every day and going to work, showing up at the right place at the right time. God delights in revealing His glory to those who feel unimportant or unseen.

However, God doesn’t wait for imperfect people to climb up to His level. Instead, Christmas teaches us that God comes down to where we are. He sees people who feel unnoticed by society and chooses to work through them.

If you feel like you’re just doing what you have to do to get by, remember that God knows your name, your workplace, where you live, and exactly where to find you when He wants to reveal His glory in your life.

God gave them this Christmas Good News on purpose.

Picture the shepherds working the night shift in darkness, with only moonlight and starlight for illumination. Suddenly, the sky exploded with God’s glory as an angel appeared, and their hearts were gripped with fear. But the angel’s first words weren’t condemnation, they were comfort: “Do not be afraid.”

If you’re living under a spirit of fear and unable to engage in daily life, that’s not from God. He doesn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.

The angel’s message was about to change not only the shepherds’ lives but also the lives of everyone who would receive their testimony.

The angel announced “good tidings of great joy, which will be to all people.”

This isn’t seasonal joy that fades when Christmas decorations come down!

This is everlasting joy because we have an everlasting Savior.

Christmas joy isn’t dependent on perfect circumstances. It’s a deep, settled contentment knowing you’re God’s child and that He will work everything out for your good and His glory. This celebration is based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, not our circumstances.

Heaven sent us a Savior on purpose.

The heart of the angel’s announcement was this: “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior.” God didn’t send us a life coach or political hero; He sent us a Savior because we needed to be rescued, saved, and redeemed!

After the angel delivered the good news, silence was no longer an option. Heaven’s full choir filled the sky with praises, like the finale of a fireworks show. This wasn’t just a proclamation; it was a song celebrating heaven’s finale.

The Birth of Jesus Christ pulled back the curtain of Heaven, showing us God’s heart. Christmas reveals that God isn’t hiding from humanity but stepping down to rescue us. His glory was with Jesus in the manger, throughout His ministry, and now resides upon His Church.

Have you received God’s peace?

The angelic choir sang about “peace, goodwill toward men.” This isn’t the temporary peace the world offers that comes and goes. This is peace with God that comes when you place your faith in Jesus Christ and repent of your sins.

Peace is available to the undeserving.

Every sinner who repents gets God’s favor. When you’re justified by faith, it’s as if you’d never sinned. God’s glory is no longer hidden; you can pray directly to Him without needing someone else to intercede.

Christmas proves that God desires to save us by extending His goodwill toward the undeserving. That includes all of us. He has made peace possible if we place our faith in Him and repent of our sins.

We should celebrate Christmas!

Christmas wasn’t random; it was intentional. God chose the moment, the message, and the recipients. Every detail was arranged by God, Who loves His world and His people.

We should celebrate Christmas by understanding it’s about the Good News of the Gospel!

Just as Thanksgiving should be “thanks-living” 365 days a year, Christmas isn’t just about December 25th. Without Christmas, there would be no Easter. We celebrate because a Savior has been born, and God has a plan for your life.

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Embrace your “ordinary” status and watch for God to show up in unexpected ways. Instead of getting caught up in Christmas stress and endless tasks, focus on the simple truth that Christmas is about Jesus Christ’s Birth, nothing more and nothing less.

If you are a Christian, challenge yourself to live with the deep joy that comes from knowing you’re saved, regardless of your circumstances. Let humility characterize your interactions, knowing that God draws near to the humble and works through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Am I allowing the extra-biblical holiday stuff to stress me and overshadow the joy of Christ’s Birth?
• Do I believe God can use me as an “ordinary” person to accomplish His purposes?
• Am I living with the peace that comes from being right with God, or am I dominated by fear?
• How can I celebrate the Good News of the Gospel not just in December, but year-round?

Remember, the same God who revealed Himself to shepherds in the night sky is revealing Himself to you. The Savior born in Bethlehem can be born in your heart, bringing forgiveness, peace, and purpose to your life.