The song ‘Midnight‘ by Helen and Mark Johnson has the line ‘Tonight’s events were planned in heaven/ The greatest story ever penned,’ and in our carol service tonight we looked at the preparation that went into the first Christmas. We’re all aware that preparation and planning are needed for any successful event – having organised a Jubilee Fun Day, afternoon tea for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, fun days and Christmas parties galore this week, I can testify that a lot goes on behind the scenes to make such events successful!
For us, Christmas starts with the birth of Christ, but God was preparing for that first Christmas from before the creation of the world (see Rev 13:8). The promise of a Redeemer is found in Genesis 3:15; the Messiah was promised throughout the Old Testament, with many prophecies fulfilled at His birth. Even in the New Testament readings, we see how God prepared the way for Jesus through the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:5-25) and by sending angels to prepare Mary and Joseph to become parents and sending a star to guide the Wise Men from the East. We realise God is the best planner of all and that no plan or purpose of His can be thwarted. (Ps 33:11, Job 42:2)
Our children may not realise the planning and preparation that goes into a happy Christmas. In the same way, we often don’t realise the planning and preparation that went into God’s plan of salvation. But whether you are organised or not, whether you are good at planning and preparing or not, whether you have any money or not, no matter what your situation, you can receive the gift of Jesus Christ this Christmas. He is the reason we celebrate; He is the gift of God to all humanity. His very name reminds us that the Lord saves; He is Immanuel, ‘God with us.’ (Matt 1:23) He is both Son of God and Son of Man; He is the reason we can have hope, because His arrival on earth was another step in God’s wonderful plan of salvation and rescue and reconciliation. That plan moved on a step further that first Christmas; it continued through the 33 years of His life and through His death and resurrection, and we are waiting today for the fulfilment of that plan, for the return of Jesus Christ to earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Rev 19:16)
The greatest story ever penned. Heaven and earth have come together, And life has come to Bethlehem.