The Bible is a story like no other. A divine epic filled with tragedy, triumph, and redemption. Its hero is Jesus Christ. From Genesis to Revelation, every page points toward Him. And in the Christmas story, we witness His most astonishing entrance: the infinite God stepping into a manger. Paul summarizes this miracle beautifully in Romans 1:3-5. These few verses contain the whole gospel in miniature: the humanity of Jesus, the divinity of Jesus, and the global
mission of Jesus.
mission of Jesus.
Jesus Is Fully Human
Paul writes that Jesus “was born into King David’s family line.” The Son of God didn’t appear as a spirit or descend as a full-grown adult. He entered real history through a real family. The eternal Word took on flesh. He cried, slept, and learned to walk. He got tired and hungry. He experienced the human story from the inside.
When Isaiah promised that “a child is born to us, a son is given to us,” he wasn’t using a poetic metaphor. He was describing the incarnation. God became one of us so He could redeem all of us. The manger is proof that God understands weakness and suffering because He has felt it Himself.
Jesus Is Fully Divine
Verse 4 declares that Jesus “was shown to be the Son of God when He was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit.” The resurrection didn’t make Jesus divine; it revealed who He already was. The child of Bethlehem is the King of Heaven. The baby who lies in a feeding trough holds the universe together.
Christmas reminds us that the One born in humility now reigns in glory. The cradle leads to the cross, and the cross leads to the empty tomb. Christmas without Easter is incomplete, and Easter without Christmas is impossible.
Jesus Came for the Nations
Paul continues, “Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them.” The miracle of Bethlehem was never meant to stay in Bethlehem. The gift of Christ is for all people. The same God who stepped into our world now sends His church into the world to share His love.
The angel announced, “Good news of great joy for all people.” Paul declares that this news must go “to the nations.” The manger was the launch point of God’s global mission.
Christmas is not just about receiving grace; it’s about sharing it.
Many are content with a sentimental Christmas: warm lights, familiar songs, and a baby in a manger. But the real meaning of Christmas demands more than admiration; it calls for surrender. The baby is also the King. He came in humility so we could come to Him in faith. He entered our world so we could enter His kingdom. From the manger to the nations, Jesus is still on the move. Let’s join Him.