The Holy Birth!

"Long time ago in Bethlehem, so

the Holy Bible says...."

Mary's boy child, Jesus Christ,

was born on Christmas Day"

Yes, as all followers of Jesus Christ knows, the Bible tells us the story of His birth which took place more than 2000 years ago, according to the holy scriptures.

Today not only His followers, but even non-Christians around the world are familiar with the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, the son of Joseph and Mary, in a little town called Bethlehem.

Even though Jesus' earthly parents are Joseph, a carpenter and his young wife Mary, it is the belief of all His followers that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who was sent by God into this world to save all mankind, and bring peace to this world. And so, he is called the Prince of Peace and is the spiritual leader of millions of people around the world. The exact date on which Jesus was born is not known but, His birth is commemorated each year on December 25, as decreed by the religious leaders of ancient Rome.

Christmas therefore is a celebration of this holy birth which took place amidst many difficulties and hardships; Joseph and his young wife Mary, who was in the last stages of her pregnancy, had to travel many miles across the desert to Bethlehem on a donkey due to a census that was being carried out at that time. Imagine how tired they both would have been when they finally arrived in the town of Bethlehem. But did they find a comfortable place to rest and refresh themselves? No. They had to hunt desperately for a place to spend the cold night in.

Why couldn't baby Jesus be born surrounded by luxury, especially in a palace, if He was the Prince of Peace? Well, this great event of His birth happened exactly according to what the holy scriptures had said. Jesus was to be born in humble surroundings with no fanfare because He had a special mission to fulfil on this Earth. His birth which took place in a manger surrounded by animals has great significance. He came down to Earth to save all mankind and bring goodwill to men. So, if He was born into wealth and luxury, the poor world have felt they were excluded. But by being born in a manger (in a cattle shed), He identified himself with the poor. He also taught us the value of humility. Even the fact that the joyous message of His birth was given first to humble and poor shepherds, by God's angels teaches us many important lessons.

Of course, even wise men from far came to see Him, following a bright star they had seen in the sky. These Three Wise Men from different lands, who came bearing rich gifts for the new born king would certainly have been utterly amased to find baby Jesus, wrapped in cloth, lying in a trough in a stable. They followed the star, as prophesied long ago, and travelled thousands of miles to see a king and what did they encounter? But, the Wise Men were not dismayed or disappointed. They did not turn away and go back home. They paid homage to baby Jesus. So, there's a powerful spiritual message we all should take into heart, surrounding the Holy birth in a manger.

Even though over the years, the spiritual significance of the birth of the Prince of Peace has been overshadowed by the tinsel and trappings of commercialisation, the message of love, peace and goodwill still stands strong. It is this spiritual message we should all focus mostly on as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, amidst all the Christmas trappings; the decorated tree, yummy food, cake, gifts, firecrackers and sparklers, and of course, Santa.

Remember, that it is His birth we are celebrating, share the joy of this significant event with the world, in peace and goodwill.