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What does the sign of Christmas say?

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Luke 2:11-12 NIV

One thing I have learned about Bible verse: a verse usually has more than one application.  As I have read the Christmas story over the years, I have become intrigued by the phrase “This will be a sign to you”. A sign of what?

Well, after careful study, I’m certain I can apply this verse in multiple ways.

Obviously, the baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger was a sign to help the shepherds recognize Jesus. When a child is first born, sometimes clothes just don’t fit.  It would not have been unusual for a newborn to be found wrapped only in a blanket. Though there could have been many babies, even newborns in Bethlehem that night, there probably weren’t many in an animal’s feeding trough.

Also, the sign of the baby could have been the angel’s way of saying, “this will prove that I’m telling the truth.” I’m quite sure shepherds out in a lonely field at night, might have some doubts about what they had seen and heard. It could be a situation where one would say to the other “I didn’t see anything if you didn’t see anything.” Seeing the baby would insure they had indeed been visited by an angel.

Perhaps another, even deeper, meaning by the phrase, “this will be a sign to you” points to the real meaning of Christmas. I did a little research. The Bible uses the term “a sign” several times. Gideon asked for a sign that God was talking to him (Judges 6:17). David requested a sign of God’s goodness.  (Psalm 86:17). The first rainbow was a sign of God’s covenant (Genesis 9:12). Circumcision was a sign of being God’s child.  (Gen 17:11) The Sabbath Day was a sign of God’s Holiness. (Ezekiel 20:12) God uses signs to teach us and guide us!

Now I know that’s pretty deep this Christmas Eve, but let me leave you with a question: What is the sign of Christmas? The baby Jesus…wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger…. What does it all mean? What is the real meaning of Christmas? I really don’t intend to answer the question for you!

I have a strong feeling, deep within my heart, that at Christmas, God was sending us a sign; the greatest and most important sign of all times. Have you discovered and read that sign this Christmas?

What would you think the sign of Christmas would say?

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Ron Edmondson

Author Ron Edmondson

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Join the discussion 6 Comments

  • @Bryankr says:

    I am of the mind that it might say: There is reason to celebrate life, but, this is not the beginning. He didn't do this at the beginning, He did it several centuries later, and He did it with a birth which is always a celebration. Life has always been there for us, but that life is a relationship with Him, and should never be taken lightly. Of course, I'm told I come on a little too strong and think too literal, so…..
    Merry Christmas!

  • Tami Heim says:

    Incarnation –>crucifixion —>resurrection –>Redemption.

    A sign that prophecy is fulfilled – our Redeemer has come.

    Merry Christmas, Ron – #ComeLetUsAdoreHim

  • jack42 says:

    The Bible is a work (but not merely so) of literature. As with most literature, most things have at least two meanings: what it says, and what it signifies. There are also different shades and levels of meaning.

    The sign of the babe in the manger serves as proof of the angels' statement. Not only does this sign serve as a marker of the birth of the Savior, but it serves as a demonstration of the type of Savior we have received. Not a general in might and splendor, but a simple child, humble and modest in means.

    I'm sure there are other messages to find or are known.

    ***I really hope my simple comment would not be worthy to appear in @BibleStdntsSay's tweet stream.