MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL THE MEMBERS AND FRIENDS AT HAZELGREEN

JUST SOME SHORT THOUGHTS ON THE BIRTH OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST:

Jesus' birth is the pivotal moment in history, marking the transition from B.C. to A.D., focusing on the divinity of the event, its fulfillment of prophecy (Micah 5:2), and the miraculous, virgin conception by the Holy Spirit, refuting doubts about Christ's deity, and seeing it as God's ultimate act of love to save humanity, despite the humble circumstances in Bethlehem under Caesar Augustus's census. He doesn't focus on a specific year but rather the profound theological meaning of God becoming man.

Key Aspects to keep in mind of Christ's birth:

• Theological Significance: The birth of Jesus is the most important event in history, the moment God became man, the pinnacle of history, defining our calendar (B.C./A.D.).
• Virgin Birth & Deity: He strongly affirms the virgin birth as essential to Christ's deity, a miraculous act by the Holy Spirit, not a human father.
• Fulfillment of Prophecy: God providentially arranged the birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) during Caesar Augustus's reign to fulfill prophecy.
• Humility & Purpose: The birth in a manger, with animals, illustrates God's extreme condescension and love to save sinners, a far greater glory than any earthly throne.
• Refutation of Slander: Matthew's account of the virgin birth counters early accusations that Mary was an adulteress.

In essence: We see Jesus' birth not as a mere historical date but as the central, divine event of all time, proving Jesus' unique identity as God-man, despite the humble setting.