The Lamb who was slain from the foundation of the world.
Revelation 13:8
Before there was light, before the stars dotted the heavens or the earth took form, God existed in Eternal Glory. In His perfect wisdom, He knew that humanity would fall into sin. Yet His love was so vast, so incomprehensible, that he set his set into motion a plan to rescue his people. This plan was not an afterthought- it was the centerpiece of creation itself. From eternity past, God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit purposed that the Son would take on human flesh, live among us, and ultimately give his life as a ransom for many. Christmas is not just a moment in history; it is the Eternal plan of God coming to fruition.
The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Emmanuel, (which means ‘God with us’). Isaiah 7:14
God, in His mercy, never left humanity without hope. Throughout history, He sent prophets to remind His people of His promise. Isaiah spoke of a miraculous birth – a virgin who would bear a son, Emmanuel, meaning “God with us”. Micah pointed to an unlikely place, Bethlehem, the small town where the King of Kings would be born. These prophecies were like stars piercing the darkness, giving light and guidance to those who longed for redemption. Every detail of the Messiah’s coming was foretold, and each prophecy built anticipation for the day when salvation would come to earth. Even in humanity’s darkest moments, God’s promises shown brightly.
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law. Galatians 4:4
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:11
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
The night was ordinary in Bethlehem, but heaven was about to invade earth. In a humble stable, surrounded by animals Mary gave birth to her firstborn son. This child, wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger, was no ordinary baby- he was the Eternal Word of God, the Creator of all things, stepping into his creation. Angels appeared to shepherds in the fields, proclaiming, “Glory to God in the highest!” The heavens rejoiced, and wise men began their journey to worship the newborn King. That night, God became man, not in splendor, but in humility, so that he might walk among us and save us from our sins. This is the miracle of Christmas: Emmanuel, God with us.
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. Luke 19:10
He Himself bore our sins and His body on the tree that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. 1 Peter 2:24
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Jesus did not stay a baby in a manger. He grew in wisdom and stature, lived a life of perfect obedience, and proclaimed the Kingdom of God. He healed the sick, raised the dead, and preached good news to the poor. But his ultimate mission was the cross. On Calvary, the innocent Son of God bore the weight of humanity’s sin. He suffered, bled, and died so that we might live. But death could not hold him. On the third day, he rose again, conquering sin, death, and the grave. This is why Christmas matters: the manger leads to the cross, and the cross leads to an empty tomb, where eternal life is found.
And behold I am coming soon. My reward is with Me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. Revelation 22:12
And He will reign forever and ever. Revelation 11:15
For the lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘He will lead them to springs of living water’. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Revelation 7:17
The story of Christmas points us to the future. Jesus, the child of Bethlehem and the risen Savior, will return in glory. He will establish his Eternal Kingdom where there will be no more pain, no more sorrow, no more sin. Every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. For those who belong to him, this is the ultimate hope: to dwell with God forever, in a place where his light will shine eternally. Christmas is not just about remembering the past; it is about looking forward to the day when the King of kings reigns supreme and we, his people, celebrate victory for all eternity.
This is the story of Christmas: from eternity past to eternity future, God’s plan of redemption unfolds in Jesus Christ. Rejoice, for our Savior is born, our sins are forgiven, and His kingdom is forever!
Merry Christmas to all!
Virgil Castro
