The Christmas story has lots of details. We know of the visits of the angels to Mary, to Joseph, to the shepherds, and to Simeon. We know of the shepherds, the magi, and the historical context of Augustus Caesar, the oppression of the Roman Empire and the timing of Joseph and Mary’s visit to Bethlehem. We know that the Messiah was born in Bethlehem and in a place which didn’t just house people but also the animals. We know that Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth when she was early in her pregnancy. We know that Joseph was an honourable man and had good intentions. We know many details of the story.

What isn’t mentioned in the story is how many of Joseph’s family travelled with them, but later we discover that when at age 12 his parents visited Jersualem Jesus travelled with the family so it is safe to assume that as they travelled to Bethlehem, they were with other family members as well.

What isn’t mentioned is what actually happened the night of Jesus’ birth – and who helped Mary, but we know that family would have been nearby and in every community.

We do not know the exact date of Jesus’ birth, but we do know it wasn’t likely December, more likely April. So today’s celebration is focused on the promise of God’s Salvation in Jesus, not on a date or a place. Christmas represents God breaking into human history to provide for us what we could not, cannot, provide for ourselves.

And today’s celebration is a reminder that God is going to return the Messiah Jesus, not to provide salvation, but to bring to fruition all the promises of His Word. This time God will finish the work begun so long ago in the creation of this world.

John’s message: “I saw a new heaven and a new earth”.