ECHOES FROM REDEMPTION
Mysteries from Christmas
It is yet another beautiful season to celebrate, bond, and make merry. However, it is very important that the reason for the season is preserved. In the midst of merriment and excitement, we can easily get carried away and forget what this season truly represents.
Christmas is a time to reflect on the love the Father has shown to humanity by sending a means of reconciliation—Jesus Christ.
In the process of sending us a Redeemer, different scenes unfolded, each carrying messages from the Father’s heart. These are some of the mysteries we are invited to reflect on this Christmas.
1. The Angel’s Appearance to Mary
Mary was a young woman navigating life, preparing to be with the man she would spend the rest of her life with. Like many others in Nazareth, she hoped for the emergence of a Messiah who would save their land. Little did she know that she would be the very vessel through whom the long-awaited Messiah would come.
The Lord favored her.
Nothing particularly qualified Mary for this assignment. There were, without doubt, women who appeared more righteous or more “worthy” by societal standards. Mary was not married, and being with child out of wedlock was against the law. Yet, God chose her.
This scene brings hope to those who have considered themselves insignificant, unqualified, or unusable by God. You do not get a say in determining your usability—God does. If you feel unworthy of what the Lord has called you into or what He is doing through you, remember Mary. She was not qualified by human standards, yet she was favored by God.
Accepting God’s call is always a privilege. They are proofs of His love, mercy, and trust toward you.
2. Jesus in the Manger
Christ could have been born in the finest of hospitals and given the best care, but in fulfillment of prophecy, He was born in a manger.
The epiphany here is not about where He was born, but what His presence does. Whether the manger was fit or not, the fact that Jesus was there made it fit. His presence changed the narrative.
You may have been condemned. Your life may appear messy or judged as wasted. Yet God still desires to reveal His glory through you. Men may condemn you, but Christ wants to redeem you.
If the Savior of the world could be born in a manger—an unimaginable and undesirable place—then there is hope for your head to be lifted up. With Jesus, the narrative is always different.
A message can come out of a mess. All you need is to give Christ room to rest in the manger of your heart.
3. The Stars That Led the Wise Men
Two lessons stand out in this scene.
First, when God reveals the hope of His calling and gives direction, it is our responsibility to follow—without constantly questioning the destination. The stars would eventually lead you to the manger. All that is required is trust and unwavering focus.
As my pastor, PVO, says: “We might not fully know the how, but we definitely know the Who.”
Secondly, the birth of Jesus represents our rebirth in Christ, and the star symbolizes our identity. If we claim to be Christians—united with Christ—then our identity, lifestyle, character, and values must reflect Him. Like the star, our lives should lead men to the manger—to Jesus.
4. The Dreams of Joseph
God consistently spoke to Joseph through dreams, directing him when to stay, flee, and return. Every revelation was timely, purposeful, and required obedience for prophecy to be fulfilled.
Joseph did not argue with God, even when instructions seemed contradictory. He walked in God's timing.
God is always speaking. There is what He has said and what He is saying. Both are powerful, but we must be careful not to remain where God has moved on from. (Another of my Pastor's wise words.)
Yes, God said it before—but what if He is saying something new now? Sensitivity to God’s voice in every season is crucial.
If He is moving, don’t settle.
These are some of the mysteries engraved in this season. As we celebrate, it is important that we learn from them, so we do not rejoice outwardly yet miss what God is calling us into.
Christmas is far more than excitement and festivity—it is the revelation of God’s heart, expressed in love toward mankind.
Have a truly meaningful and wonderful celebration. ✨
Merry Christmas.🎄🥳
~© TAC 🎉🎉
Beautifully written and very thoughtful❤️.
With Jesus, the narrative is always different.
Very powerful write up, Agatha!