How God Perfectly Orchestrated The First Christmas

The first Christmas, the birth of Jesus, did not just randomly unfold. All the events leading up to it and surrounding it were perfectly orchestrated. This was done by the great Mastermind (God). To make sure the plan was executed, God did not leave it up to man alone. That would not have worked. You know as well as I do that things would have gotten messed up! Instead, God intervened at each step, making sure everything went according to His plan.

If you read through the scriptures concerning the Christmas story (Mathew chapters 1 & 2, Luke chapters 1 & 2) you will see God not only making things happen, but jumping in just at the right time using miracles, angels, and dreams, depending on the circumstance. All this perfectly demonstrates God's providence and sovereignty. 

Let's look at 3 aspects of the Christmas story that show how God perfectly orchestrated the Christmas story. 

A)THE PLANNING

From the foundation of the world, God planned the first Christmas! All throughout the Old Testament, there are hints, predictions and prophecies of the coming Messiah. There are even specific Old Testament scriptures that foretell the birth of Jesus in detail. Here are two:

1- The Prophet Isaiah, who lived approximately 700 years before Jesus was born, predicted the virgin birth!

Isaiah 7:14

All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’). 

2- The Prophet Micah predicted that Jesus was to be born in Bethlehem.

Micah 5:2

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past,  will come from you on my behalf. 

Even before the world was created, God had the plan!

1 Peter 1:20

God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days he has been revealed for your sake.

B)THE TIMING

Just at the right time, Jesus came. For example, the Greek language was in place, the perfect language to accurately record the New Testament. The Roman rule and execution method (the cross) was established. The method of travel, such as Roman roads and trade routes were readily available. The city of Bethlehem (which Isaiah prophesied as the birth place) existed. The timing was perfect for all the Old Testament prophecies to be fulfilled by Jesus coming into the world.

Galatians 4:4

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law.

C)THE ARRIVAL

It’s amazing to see the extent of God’s providence and intervention in the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. It’s easy to see that God leaves nothing to chance. He truly orchestrated every step. Here we go......

THE ANGEL GABRIEL

The first step after 400 years of silence, to get the ball rolling, God sends the Angel Gabriel into the world. He appears to Zechariah and announces the birth of John the Baptist, who was the forerunner, paving the way for the coming of Jesus.  (Luke 1:11-17). 

A MIRACLE

God allows Elizabeth, Zechariah’s wife, who was barren to become pregnant. (Luke 1:23-25). 

THE ANGEL GABRIEL AGAIN

Next, God sends the Angel Gabriel to appear to the virgin Mary (Luke 1:26-37), to announce that she is the chosen one who will give birth to Jesus.

MORE MIRACLES

Mary miraculously becomes pregnant (Luke 1:38).

Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:39-45).

Zechariah’s speech miraculously returns (Luke 1:57-66).

Zechariah speaks prophecy (Luke 1:67-79). 

MORE ANGELS

An Angel appears to Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25).

An Angel announces the birth of Jesus to shepherds (Luke 2:1-12).

A multitude of Angels appear to the shepherds (Luke 2:13-20)

PROPHETS

Simeon speaks prophecy about who Jesus is when Mary and Joseph bring baby Jesus to the temple (Luke 2:21-35).

Anna speaks prophecy acknowledging Jesus (Luke 2:36-38)

MORE MIRACLES

The miraculous star appears to the the Wise Men and leads them to Jesus (Matthew 2:9-11). Their gifts provided the way for Mary and Joseph to bring Jesus to Egypt and live there until Herod died.

DREAMS

The Wise Men are warned in a dream to escape from Herod (Matthew 2:12)

MORE ANGELS

An Angel appears to Joseph to tell him to escape to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-18).

An Angel appears to Joseph to tell him to return to Israel (Matthew 2:19-21)

DREAMS

Joseph is directed in a dream to bring Jesus to Nazareth (Matthew 2:22-23)

There is no doubt God orchestrated everything. Baby Jesus, like any other human baby, was unable to fend for Himself. He was totally dependent on others. But as you can see, in His case, the "others" was not only his parents, but the Father in Heaven, who protected Him and provided for Him with angels, miracles, and dreams.

The bottom line is this: the Messiah had come and nothing was going to stop Him. Christmas is a time to reflect what God has done and celebrate His plan to rescue us and save us through Jesus. It's truly a time to worship Him. Hallelujah!!