Hidden Gospel: Finding Jesus Beyond the Christmas Manger

In our Christmas narratives, where does our story end?

We start with the journey of a carpenter and his wife. We move into the no-room-in-the-inn, the stable, manger, and swaddling clothes. Then, to the angels, shepherds, and star guiding the wiseman. Finally, to the birth of our Lord and Savior.

This is an incredible story with power beyond comprehension. Our Christmas narrative often wrap up with praising Him: the Savior born, the baby come, and the Light of the World. This profound mystery should never leave us.

Yet, we can praise this incredible Savior even more when we see Him beyond just the Christmas story. What if Jesus was a thread throughout all of Scripture, shown as hero from beginning to end, not just the hero on the Bible’s pages only in the Christmas narrative and Jesus’ incredible ministry on Earth?

The Gospel touches all pages of the Word of God and deeply impacts every season.

“The Bible has its coda as well. But unlike the happily-ever-afters of fairy tales, this is one of expectation—not for the end to come but for the next chapter to be written. A promise summarized in three words: ‘Come, Lord Jesus’ (Rev. 22:20). This is the promise the entire story of Scripture builds toward. It is the deepest longing of the heart of God’s people.” (Gospel Foundations, Volume 6)

1. Promise

We find Christ throughout scripture in promise.

“And as this good news continued to spread, the promise spread with it—the promise that tells of the day when Jesus returns to make all things new. When every tear will be wiped from every eye. When suffering, sadness, and death will be no more. In their place will be joy, gladness, and life everlasting as God dwells with His people forevermore.” (Gospel Foundations, Volume 6)

The baby in the Manger came to give us everlasting life. This redemption story is woven from beginning to end as we see that the Gospel doesn’t just affect our life after death, but the promise changes our life before death. For? We are living in light of death. The reality that our King died and was raised again. That we live, knowing one day we will give account before our Risen King but that He’s also given us everything we need to life for Him in the here and now.

2. Perspective

We find Christ throughout Scripture in perspective.

“But for now, we wait. And as we do, we join with our brothers and sisters across the centuries as we long for that day to come, echoing these words: ‘Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!’” (Gospel Foundations, Volume 6)

We waited a long time for the Christ’s first coming, the baby in the manger. But, through the Old Testament prophecies to the New Testament declarations, we gain a new perspective: he’s coming again. We eagerly long for that day. We find the Gospel empowering our waiting, changing our perspective to be one of hope: hope in the One who gives strength for today and is the reason for all days.

3.  Presence

We find Christ throughout Scripture in presence.

“When Jesus promised the Holy Spirit, He promised Himself too. He is seated at the right hand of the Father (Eph. 1:20; Heb. 8:1; 12:2) and He is also with us always, ‘to the end of the age’ (Matt. 28:20). When the Holy Spirit is sent to us, God is present, and that, of course, means that Jesus Himself is present with us.” (Gospel Foundations, Volume 6)

Christ became present to us, in a new way, while He walked on earth for over thirty years. But God was with His people in other ways, both before and after. He has given us the helper, the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). We know that Our God does not leave or forsake (Deuteronomy 31:6). We find everyday Gospel power in knowing that He is with us, and we can seek to bring His presence to others, being ambassadors of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:11-21). His presence, so powerfully shown through the manger, has implications for us spanning not only into our preset but into our past and future.

The Gospel? It’s the foundation to our Group. This week, we’ve been exploring for more Gospel insights to guide you in finishing out this year as we head towards 2019.

But your journey with the Gospel can go far beyond these posts. We have an entire Bible-study line that walks you through the storyline of Scripture to point you to the Gospel. It reveals how Jesus is the hero from beginning to end. Sound too good to be true? Try it. Find a free download of study PDF and video content here.

Deborah Spooner is a Minnesota-born analytical creative serving as a Marketing Strategist for LifeWay’s Groups Ministry. As a pastor’s daughter with a background in Digital Communications and Media and Biblical & Theological Studies, you can find her at her local church, in deep conversation, or with a book or pen in hand as she seeks to know Christ more and make Him known.