The Story of The First Christmas

Tap to Read ➤ Claudia Miclaus

Even if you know what to expect this Christmas, the first one was a heavenly incident on the plains of Judea. The most simple people saw God's Son first, though the most educated were not forgotten either. Here is how the first Christmas occurred.

The first time for everything has its charm, and it has at least one characteristic of the new: it is fresh, and one simply can't be bored with it. Nowadays, Christmas is expected to happen in a certain way, but back then, everything was unexpected.

The Birth of Christ

It was just a typical night in Bethlehem, like all the others before it, except that the town was jam-packed, as it was the first census of the entire Roman empire at the time. So, everyone had to return to the towns of their birth to get registered.

"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to his own town to be registered.

(contd..) Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

(contd..) While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." ~ Luke 2:1-7

The Shepherds and the Angels

Imagine yourself out in the field at night, in perfect silence when all of a sudden, a bright light blinds your sight: an angel! All of a sudden, numerous angels joined the first.

What a sight! What a light! It must have been shocking and yet, refreshing. According to the Bible record Luke 2:8-20, here's the narration of the scenario:

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

But, the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today, in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ, the Lord. This will be a sign for you; you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace to men on whom his favor rests."

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So, they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph along with the baby, who was lying in the manger.

When they had seen him, they spread the word about what had been told to them about this child, and all those who heard it were amazed at the shepherds' narration. They then returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told."

There was some adrenaline rush in their blood at that time. They were terrified to see those angels breaking through the darkness around. Yes, this was the reaction of the simple people who first saw the baby. What a humbleness lesson! The first visitors to see God himself were some simple people. Seems like God is not impressed with our diplomas.

The Magi

However, the ones who studied were not neglected either, just that it took quite a while for them to arrive in Judea since they came from a considerable distance. However, the Bible doesn't inform that there were three Magi.

In fact, the Bible doesn't mention their number at all. The star led them where the baby Jesus lay.

"They went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

(contd..) On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh." Mathew 2:9-12

Yes, the first Christmas was full of joy and amazement. The novelty of the event conquered every heart and is being preserved till date. May you all have a fresh Christmas, just like the first!