Joy for All People
At Christmas, we celebrate the arrival of Jesus into our world, bringing grace, joy, and peace. While He was born in Bethlehem, in Israel, His birth is celebrated globally. After all, He came to die for the sins of all people, regardless of where they live. Christmas is a universal celebration, yet it seems that Israel—the land and people to whom Jesus first came—often fades into the background. Is this approach too limited?
When the angel appeared to the shepherds in the fields of Ephrathah, he proclaimed: “I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). The word “people” here is singular, referring specifically to the people of Israel. The shepherds were part of Israel, and the angel’s message was first for them.
When the three wise men from the east sought the newborn King of the Jews, the chief priests and scribes pointed them to a prophecy from Micah 5:2, which foretold: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me, the One to be ruler in Israel.” This shows that Jesus, the baby born in Bethlehem, was destined to rule over Israel. He cannot be separated from the people of Israel.
The prophet Isaiah also foretold, writing: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2). Isaiah’s prophecy speaks of Israel, as evidenced by Matthew’s Gospel, which quotes this passage when Jesus moved from Nazareth to Capernaum, fulfilling Isaiah’s words: ““The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali (…) The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light.” (Matthew 4: 14-16).
This child, Jesus, called the “King of the Jews” by the Magi, was born to one day sit on David’s throne in Jerusalem and rule over Israel.
Isaiah continues with a promise: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom.” (Isaiah 9:6-7). This child, Jesus, called the “King of the Jews” by the Magi, was born to one day sit on David’s throne in Jerusalem and rule over Israel. This was the promise made by the angel Gabriel to Mary, His mother. When Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, praised God on the day of his son’s circumcision, he said: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people.” (Luke 1:68). From the very beginning, it is clear that Jesus came for Israel, and His story is deeply connected to the nation.
However, the joy and peace that Jesus brought were never meant to stay within Israel alone. The Old Testament repeatedly speaks of God’s plan to bring salvation to all nations. This message becomes clear when Simeon, holding the infant Jesus in the temple, declares: “For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” (Luke 2:30-32). Jesus’ light would shine for both Israel and the Gentiles.
One day, He will return to Israel, reign over Israel, and all the world.
After His resurrection, Jesus sent His apostles into the world to share His gospel with all nations. Today, we celebrate Christmas across the globe, but in doing so, we must remember Israel. Jesus, the King of the Jews, is inseparable from Israel. He was born in Israel, lived there, and ascended to heaven from there. One day, He will return to Israel, reign over Israel, and all the world.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom.” Isaiah 9:6-7
