Luke 2 - Good News Translation US 1992 (GNTD)

And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man-2

The story of Jesus is the ultimate glow-up, from a newborn in a manger to the Savior of the world. His journey isn’t just inspiring; it’s transformative for everyone who believes. Let’s unpack how Jesus’ humble beginnings and divine mission changed history forever, all rooted in Scripture.

1. A Humble Start

“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 2:7).

Jesus’ story begins in the most unassuming way imaginable. Born in a small town and placed in a manger because there was no room for His family in the inn, His birth reflected humility and simplicity. The King of Kings arrived without the fanfare one might expect for royalty. Yet, this humble start sets the stage for a life that would redefine greatness, teaching us that our worth isn’t tied to our circumstances but to God’s purpose for our lives.

2. Announced to the Underdogs

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people’” (Luke 2:10).

Imagine being a shepherd on a quiet night, and suddenly, the sky lights up with angels announcing the birth of the Savior. The first people to hear about Jesus’ birth weren’t rulers or religious leaders but shepherds, ordinary, overlooked individuals. This choice reflects God’s heart for the marginalized and forgotten. By starting with the underdogs, God showed that His kingdom is for everyone, regardless of status or position.

3. Prophesied to Change the World

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

Centuries before Jesus’ birth, the prophet Isaiah foretold His arrival. This verse captures His divine mission: to bring peace, guidance, and hope to a broken world. Jesus wasn’t just another leader; He was the fulfillment of a promise, the embodiment of God’s love, and the answer to humanity’s deepest needs. His glow-up was written in the stars long before He took His first breath.

4. Growing in Wisdom and Favor

“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52).

Jesus’ childhood wasn’t skipped over in His story. He grew up like us, experiencing the challenges and joys of life. From His time in the temple as a young boy, astounding scholars with His understanding, to His later years preparing for His ministry, Jesus’ growth shows that even the Savior embraced the process of learning and maturing. This reminds us that growth, both spiritual and personal, is a vital part of God’s plan for our lives.

5. The Moment of Revelation

“Then a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased’” (Mark 1:11).

At His baptism, Jesus’ identity was publicly affirmed by God Himself. The heavens opened, and God declared His love for His Son, marking the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. This moment wasn’t just about Jesus, it was a revelation for the world, a confirmation that the Messiah had come to fulfill His divine mission. It was a turning point, transitioning Him from preparation to action.

6. Sacrificial Love for All

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Jesus’ glow-up wasn’t about personal gain or recognition. It was about love, sacrificial, selfless, and unconditional. His journey led to the cross, where He paid the ultimate price for our sins. This act of love redefined what it means to give, showing that true greatness lies in serving and sacrificing for others. Jesus’ death and resurrection opened the door for everyone to experience God’s grace.

7. Risen and Reigning

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay” (Matthew 28:6).

The ultimate glow-up: Jesus conquered death. His resurrection wasn’t just a miracle; it was the fulfillment of His promise and the foundation of our faith. By rising from the grave, Jesus proved that He has power over sin and death, offering eternal life to all who believe. His reign as the risen Savior continues to transform lives today.

The Bottom Line

Jesus’ journey from the manger to the cross and beyond is a story of transformation, humility, and redemption. His life redefined greatness and brought hope to the world. As we reflect on His glow-up, let’s remember that His story isn’t just history, it’s an invitation to experience a glow-up of our own through faith in Him.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

When you think about Christmas gifts, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s the latest gadgets, trendy clothes, or even a heartfelt handmade card. But long before Christmas became about shopping sprees and wish lists, it was all about the gift, Jesus Christ. The OG. The original gift that redefined love, hope, and salvation. Let’s dive into why Jesus’ birth is the ultimate present we didn’t know we needed.

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Think about it: God sent Jesus not as a temporary fix but as a forever solution. Unlike gifts that break, get outdated, or lose their shine, Jesus’ impact is eternal. He offers us salvation, forgiveness, and a direct connection to God—no expiration date, no strings attached.

Wrapped in Humility

Jesus didn’t arrive with fanfare or luxury. No royal palace, no red carpet, not even a proper guest room. Instead, He was born in a manger, surrounded by animals and the humblest of circumstances Luke 2:7; “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”. Imagine expecting a king and getting a baby in a barn! Yet, this humble entrance shows us that God’s greatest gifts often come in unexpected packages. It’s a reminder that we don’t need glitz and glamour to experience God’s blessings.

The Priceless Gift

Here’s the thing: Jesus is free. You don’t have to work for Him, earn Him, or deserve Him. Romans 6:23 puts it plainly: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Jesus paid the ultimate price on the cross so that we could freely receive the gift of grace. No amount of good deeds or fancy wrapping could ever compare to what He’s already done.

How to Receive the Gift

Opening a gift is easy: you just take it. The same goes for Jesus. He’s already been given; all you need to do is accept Him. Romans 10:9 says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” This Christmas, amidst all the unwrapping, take a moment to open your heart to the greatest gift of all.

Paying It Forward

Jesus’ gift wasn’t just for you; it’s for everyone. Just like the shepherds who couldn’t keep the good news to themselves (Luke 2:17-18), When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ,we’re called to share the joy. This could look like acts of kindness, sharing the gospel, or simply loving others the way Jesus loves us. When we give selflessly, we’re reflecting God’s heart and reminding the world of the true meaning of Christmas.

The Bottom Line

Jesus is the OG Christmas gift, the ultimate expression of love, hope, and redemption. While the gifts under the tree are nice, none of them compare to the one God gave us over 2,000 years ago. So this Christmas, let’s remember to celebrate the original gift that changed everything. Because honestly? He’s the only gift we’ll ever truly need.

The Birth of Jesus

(Matthew 1.18-25)

1 At that time Emperor Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 2 When this first census took place, Quirinius was the governor of Syria. 3 Everyone, then, went to register himself, each to his own hometown.

4 Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to the town of Bethlehem in Judea, the birthplace of King David. Joseph went there because he was a descendant of David. 5 He went to register with Mary, who was promised in marriage to him. She was pregnant, 6 and while they were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have her baby. 7 She gave birth to her first son, wrapped him in cloths and laid him in a manger—there was no room for them to stay in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

8 There were some shepherds in that part of the country who were spending the night in the fields, taking care of their flocks. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone over them. They were terribly afraid, 10 but the angel said to them, “Don't be afraid! I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people. 11 This very day in David's town your Savior was born—Christ the Lord! 12 And this is what will prove it to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great army of heaven's angels appeared with the angel, singing praises to God:

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and peace on earth to those with whom he is pleased!”

15 When the angels went away from them back 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.”

Jesus: The OG Christmas Gift

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and saw the baby lying in the manger. 17 When the shepherds saw him, they told them what the angel had said about the child. 18 All who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said. 19 Mary remembered all these things and thought deeply about them. 20 The shepherds went back, singing praises to God for all they had heard and seen; it had been just as the angel had told them.

Jesus Is Named

21 A week later, when the time came for the baby to be circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name which the angel had given him before he had been conceived.

Jesus Is Presented in the Temple

22 The time came for Joseph and Mary to perform the ceremony of purification, as the Law of Moses commanded. So they took the child to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, 23 as it is written in the law of the Lord: “Every first-born male is to be dedicated to the Lord.” 24 They also went to offer a sacrifice of a pair of doves or two young pigeons, as required by the law of the Lord.

25 At that time there was a man named Simeon living in Jerusalem. He was a good, God-fearing man and was waiting for Israel to be saved. The Holy Spirit was with him 26 and had assured him that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's promised Messiah. 27 Led by the Spirit, Simeon went into the Temple. When the parents brought the child Jesus into the Temple to do for him what the Law required, 28 Simeon took the child in his arms and gave thanks to God:

29 “Now, Lord, you have kept your promise,

and you may let your servant go in peace.

30 With my own eyes I have seen your salvation,

31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples:

32 A light to reveal your will to the Gentiles

and bring glory to your people Israel.”

33 The child's father and mother were amazed at the things Simeon said about him. 34 Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother, “This child is chosen by God for the destruction and the salvation of many in Israel. He will be a sign from God which many people will speak against 35 and so reveal their secret thoughts. And sorrow, like a sharp sword, will break your own heart.”

36-37 There was a very old prophet, a widow named Anna, daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher. She had been married for only seven years and was now eighty-four years old. She never left the Temple; day and night she worshiped God, fasting and praying. 38 That very same hour she arrived and gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were waiting for God to set Jerusalem free.

The Return to Nazareth

39 When Joseph and Mary had finished doing all that was required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to their hometown of Nazareth in Galilee. 40 The child grew and became strong; he was full of wisdom, and God's blessings were upon him.

The Boy Jesus in the Temple

41 Every year the parents of Jesus went to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. 42 When Jesus was twelve years old, they went to the festival as usual. 43 When the festival was over, they started back home, but the boy Jesus stayed in Jerusalem. His parents did not know this; 44 they thought that he was with the group, so they traveled a whole day and then started looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 They did not find him, so they went back to Jerusalem looking for him. 46 On the third day they found him in the Temple, sitting with the Jewish teachers, listening to them and asking questions. 47 All who heard him were amazed at his intelligent answers. 48 His parents were astonished when they saw him, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been terribly worried trying to find you.”

49 He answered them, “Why did you have to look for me? Didn't you know that I had to be in my Father's house?” 50 But they did not understand his answer.

From Manger Baby to World Savior: Glow-Up of the Century

51 So Jesus went back with them to Nazareth, where he was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52

Jesus grew both in body and in wisdom, gaining favor with God and people.