C
hristmas is upon us. First, I thought I’d write an article about Christmas Ghost stories. But then, I realized that the birth of Christ, and the surrounding events leading up to and after that birth, are the most miraculous—and supernatural—events in history.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines supernatural as: “(1) Of or relating to existence outside the natural world; (2) Attributed to a power that seems to violate or go beyond natural forces; or (3) Relating to a deity.”
I’m no theologian. Yet, no one, I believe, needs to be such a person to see the fantastic supernatural events surrounding the birth of Jesus.
The birth of Christ goes beyond natural forces, starting at His conception, “The angel (Gabriel) answered,” The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:26). So a virgin, namely Mary, becomes pregnant with the only begotten Son of God.
Then, there are the angels. Jesus was born, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby (Bethlehem), keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.” (Luke 2:8)
Then there is the Star of Bethlehem. A star so bright in the sky that the Magi (Wisemen) followed it to find Jesus. They arrived in Jeruselum and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?”
These are just a few of the wonders surrounding the birth of Jesus. Each and everyone one of them supernatural—either in the event, the immaculate conception, angels announcing the birth to shepherds or in timing—a star shining so brightly and for a length of time that people could follow it to Jesus.
As the saying goes, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” So, in these hurried times, I pray we all stop and remember the true gift—salvation and reconciliation to God, through Jesus Christ, His only begotten son, which was the most miraculous— in this humble author’s opinion—supernatural event in history.
Merry Christmas!
Until next time,