Christmas is often remembered with lights, songs, and gatherings, but at its heart, Christmas is a world-changing event.
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, history itself shifted direction. Luke places the story of Christmas in the time of Caesar Augustus, the most powerful man in the Roman Empire.
Rome called him the “savior of the world,” yet in a small and forgotten village, the true Savior was born. Christmas reminds us that God changes the world not through empires, but through a child laid in a manger.
First Christmas changed our understanding of salvation.
Caesar Augustus was honored as a savior by Roman poets, yet his salvation depended on power, wealth, and control. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem revealed a different Savior, one who came not to rule by force but to redeem through love.
Salvation was no longer found in emperors, money, or political systems, but in Christ alone.
Christmas calls us to examine where we place our trust. True salvation does not come from human power or security, but from God who came near in Jesus.
Where do people today seek salvation and security? Christmas teaches us that salvation comes from God, and not from anything else.
Second, Christmas changed our view of power and peace.
Jesus was born not in a palace but in a crowded home, possibly in a cave where animals were kept. Shepherds, not rulers, were the first witnesses.
Rome offered peace through domination, but the angels announced peace through reconciliation with God. This peace was not enforced, it was offered.
Christmas invites us to live differently. Power is shown through humility, and peace begins with a right relationship with God.
Christ calls us to serve rather than dominate, to love rather than control.
The peace of Christ transforms hearts before it transforms the world.
Christmas changed how the world understands salvation, power, and peace. More importantly, it calls us to allow Christ to change our lives. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, may we trust Him as our Savior, follow His way of humility, and receive the peace that only He can give. | NWI
