The Bible declares, “I, even I, am the Lord, and besides Me there is no Savior.”
Those words remind us that salvation belongs to God alone. No one else can redeem your soul—only Jesus Christ, who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes to the Father but by Me.”
As we celebrate Christmas, it’s essential that we ask one of the most important questions ever raised: Who is He in yonder stall?
At whose feet the shepherds fall? Who is this baby lying in a manger?
Our answer determines far more than our holiday traditions—it determines our eternal destiny.
The Virgin Birth Reveals Jesus’ Deity
In Matthew 1:18–25, we read the miraculous account of Mary’s conception by the Holy Spirit. Mary was betrothed to Joseph—legally committed, yet not yet married. When she was found to be with child, Joseph faced an unthinkable dilemma. But Scripture makes it clear: this was no ordinary conception.
“Before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 1:18)
The angel told Mary that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and that the child within her would be called “the Son of God.”
In the Hebrew understanding, Son of God means more than a title—it means the very essence and nature of God Himself.
The virgin birth is not a myth or a poetic symbol; it is divine truth revealing that Jesus Christ is God in the flesh—100% man and 100% God.
The Angel’s Announcement Confirms His Divine Nature
When Joseph wrestled with confusion, an angel appeared to him in a dream:
“Do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 1:20)
Joseph’s fears turned to faith as he realized that Mary’s child was a miracle of God Himself.
As John 1:14 proclaims:
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory.”
That is the miracle of Christmas—God became touchable, approachable, and present.
He did not abandon us in our sin; He came near to redeem us. That’s what Emmanuel means—God with us.
This is why we celebrate. It’s not just about gifts, lights, and family gatherings (as wonderful as those are). It’s about a Savior who remembered us and came to save us.
Jesus’ Mission Proves His Deity
The angel told Joseph:
“You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
The name Jesus literally means “God saves.”
His mission reveals His nature—because only God can save.
Why did Jesus have to be God to save us? Because every human being has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). The penalty for sin is death, which means separation from God. No amount of good works can bridge that divide.
If Jesus were merely a man, His death could not pay for the sins of all mankind. But because He is God, His sacrifice has eternal power. As Hebrews 9:26 teaches, Jesus “put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.”
That’s why we must view the manger through the shadow of the cross. Christ came to die.
His birth was the beginning of God’s rescue mission—to save sinners through His death and resurrection.
Prophecy Confirms His Deity: Emmanuel, God with Us
Matthew 1:22–23 ties the Christmas story back to an ancient prophecy from Isaiah 7:14:
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel,”
which means, God with us.
Hundreds of years before Christ’s birth, the prophet Isaiah foretold that a virgin would give birth to the Messiah. Matthew wanted his readers—especially the Jewish audience—to see that Jesus was the fulfillment of this promise.
Isaiah later wrote:
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulders. His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
Every longing of the human heart—peace, hope, forgiveness, purpose—is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
And one day, He will return to establish His kingdom and reign forever.
The Meaning of Christmas: God With Us
The miracle of the manger changes everything.
When we see the baby in the stall, we see the eternal God who humbled Himself to bring salvation to the world.
Jesus came not to make us religious, but to make us righteous. Not to weigh our good against our bad, but to take our sin upon Himself and give us His righteousness in exchange.
Our best deeds can never earn heaven. The Bible says, “All our righteousness is like filthy rags.”
But through faith in Jesus Christ—born of a virgin, crucified for our sins, and risen again—we are made clean.
That is why we celebrate Christmas. That is why His birth matters. Because in Christ, God is with us.
A Christmas Invitation
As we move toward Christmas Day, take time to reflect on the real meaning behind the lights and celebrations. Ask yourself: Who is He in yonder stall?
He is Emmanuel—God with us.
He is Jesus—God saves.
He is the Savior—who came to redeem the world.
Place your faith in Him today and discover the true joy of Christmas.
This is Pastor Mike Sanders reminding you that in Christ, there is Hope Worth Having.