A Poetic Riddle and Timeless Tale

One year, a friend wrote and posted a poetic riddle concerning the true meaning of Christmas.

“Happy Christmas everyone! And in light of this very merry season I feel it appropriate to ask; as your gathered ’round fires and presents galore, and as you sit with your family who may be a bore; tune out the bright, cheery music and riddle me this; what is the true meaning of your Christmas?” (M. Huber – 12/25/10)

Huber invites us to pause within the festive chaos and familial gatherings and ponder the true meaning of Christmas. The answer, of course, is found in the biblical narrative from the book of Luke 2:1-21, taking us back to the humble town of Bethlehem over two thousand years ago.

In those days, a Decree

The passage describes a decree from Caesar Augustus that led Joseph and Mary to journey to Bethlehem for a census. Despite the circumstances, this seemingly mundane event sets the stage for God’s revelation. In the crowded town, Mary gives birth to her firstborn son, Jesus, and lays Him in a manger because there is no room in the inn.

“1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 

3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

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

An Angel Appears to Shepherds

The narrative continues with the appearance of an angel to shepherds in the fields, bringing tidings of great joy. The shepherds witness a heavenly host praising God and announcing the birth of the Savior. Overwhelmed, they run to Bethlehem and find the baby Jesus, just as the angel had foretold.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 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.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ((Luke 2:8-19)

The Birth of Our Saviour

This true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Saviour, who came into the world in humble circumstances to save humanity from our sin. Upon encountering the newborn King, the shepherds spread the word, glorifying and praising God.

20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. 21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.” (Luke 2:20-21)

The True Meaning of Christmas

Huber’s poetic riddle serves as an important reminder. The journey of Christmas begins in Bethlehem, 2000 years ago. May we never forget that. The shepherds’ response, filled with awe and joy, should be the universal response every year, as we remember and celebrate.

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

• How does the historical account of Jesus’ birth influence your perspective on the Christmas season?
• In what ways can we emulate the shepherds’ immediate response to share the joy of Christmas with others?
• Considering the cultural and commercial aspects of Christmas today, how can we ensure the true meaning of the season is not overshadowed?