Please read the Christmas story in the overall plan of God, followed by biblical answers to questions about Christmas.
Context of the Christmas story in the overall plan of God
Israel – This chosen people was God’s to provide a way for people of the world to seek and obey Him. Israel’s history can be conveniently divided between several time periods.
Theocracy – God’s intention for Israel was they become a royal priesthood, a holy nation and His unique people (Exodus 19:5-6). In redeeming them he promised them a rest, safety and a land (Deuteronomy 12:9-12). Unfortunately, following their redemption through the Red Sea, Israel immediately sinned and tempted God at Massa (Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 95:7-11), and they fell into judgement. Israel’s judgment will not end until the great tribulation just before Christ’s future return to reign on the earth. God desired to lead Israel as a theocracy, through his representative Moses, then Joshua, into the promised land which would be their rest, a place of peace symbolizing their final holy Kingdom under Messiah. Israel failed to take the land, however, as God directed. For this reason, and continued unfaithfulness, they suffered resulting attacks from heathen countries in and around the promised land (described in the book of Judges). Ultimately, Israel then longed for a king like other nations so they could attain a superficial stability instead of faithfully seeking God and the greater benefits of being His people (1 Samuel 8).
The kings – God graciously allowed a king, as the Israelites requested, through the leadership of Samuel. This change ended the theocracy. However, Israel chose Saul, the wrong King, and God ultimately provided His choice, David (1 Samuel 16), who initiated the line of Messiah (2 Samuel 7:12-16). God later confirmed David by a covenant (Davidic Covenant) promising him an eternal throne, house and kingdom (2 Samuel 7:12-16); God later upheld again these promises (Psalm 89:20 through 132:8). Israel under David reached its height of power and under his son, Solomon, symbolized the glory power and riches of the Messianic kingdom (Matthew 12:42).
Key Messianic prophecies –David was known as a person after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). Accordingly, God used David to bring forth numerous Messianic prophecies often reflecting Christ’s own affliction. Below are some, but not all, the important Davidic prophecies:
Psalm 8:4 – This passage indicates Messiah as Son of God, being made lower than the angels for a period of time before glorification. Further, Messiah would come and assess His people.
Psalm 110:1,4 – Messiah will have all enemies under his feet and is from the order of Melchizedek (see also Genesis 14; Hebrews 7).
The prophets – After Solomon, Israel continued in sin and Israel was split into separate northern and southern kingdoms. God graciously helped Israel by revealing His will through the prophets. The age of the prophets started with Elijah and was initiated by miracles. Ultimately, important new revelation, given through the ensuing major and minor prophets (e.g., Isaiah and Hosea), warned Israel of coming judgment and urged repentance but also gave further details of the coming glorious Messianic kingdom. Nonetheless, Israel continued in sin and God carried away the especially sinful northern kingdom and its 10 tribes to Assyria 722 BC, and ultimately the southern Kingdom at the beginning of the 6th century BC to Babylon for a 70-year exile. Following the exile, many Israelites in Babylon returned to the southern kingdom to Judah where they rebuilt the temple within the walls of Jerusalem. However, God left them in a time of prophetic silence until the coming of the Messiah 400 years later (inter-testament period). Major Messianic prophesies are given in both the major and minor prophetic books:
The Gospels – At the right time God send his only begotten Son to the world to fulfill his promise of the coming Messiah who would save people from their sins (Isaiah 59:20-21). In doing so He presented the Kingdom to the Jews indicating they should believe in Him as Messiah to save their souls (Matthew 3:7; Matthew 4:16; Matthew 10:7; John 3:3,16). God sent John the Baptist as the prophesied forerunner (Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1; Malachi 4:5). Jesus proved His Messiahship through:
Course of his ministry – The Jews rejected Christ’s claim of Messiahship (Matthew 12:22-45). They crucified Him in an unjust death on the cross for which He died for our sins to provide a way of salvation. On the third day, Christ was resurrected from the dead (Matthew 28:1-10) to provide eternal life for all those who believe, by faith alone. He then appeared to the disciples, to the women and to 500 others (1 Corinthians 15:4-7). At Pentecost (Acts 1) He ascended from the Mount of Olives to heaven where He sat down at the right hand of God the Father and sent His Spirit to begin the church (Acts 2:4).
