“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14.

“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.” Isaiah 9:6.

I believe we all need to pause for a moment and take a hard look at how the birth of Jesus has and is affecting us. Have we become numb to the joy and excitement of Jesus’ birth? Sunday night, the 21st, we talked about the effects of Jesus’ birth on us. While we were doing our Bible study, my granddaughter, who had just turned 1 was walking up and down the center aisle looking at and smiling at everyone. There was a friend of mine in the crowd who texted me this Christmas evening.

“I’ve been thinking about the statement the other night at church. How has the birth affected us? I watched that sweet little baby walking around and everywhere she went people would smile. Hearts filled with joy. She lit up the sanctuary like a Christmas tree. I’m not sure we fully possess the ability to comprehend how the birth of Christ should affect us. I have no doubt she warmed hearts everywhere she went. I do know if the birth of Christ doesn’t affect us we are in deep trouble.”

As I thought about the words he told me, I began to think about Joseph and Mary.

Luke 1:26-38 tells us how Mary’s whole life was turned upside down, yet she chose to trust God and follow God’s leading regardless of the outcome.

Matthew 1:18-25 tells us how Joseph was led by God to change his mind and accept the plans God had for him, even though he was going to catch a lot of slack from others.

Luke 2:8-20 tells how some common shepherds’ lives were changed at the birth of Jesus; they left their flocks and went and saw the baby Jesus, then told everyone what they were told and had seen. 

Matthew 2:1-12 tells how three wise men from a different country left everything to go and look for the baby Jesus, and when they found Him, they fell to their knees and worshiped the baby Jesus, then gave Him gifts of great value. 

How has the birth of Jesus affected you, or should I ask, does the birth still affect you? Does the birth of Jesus cause you to trust and follow, change your plans for the plans of God, make you want to go and tell about all Jesus has done for you, or how about to leave everything behind to look for and worship Jesus and to give Him your very best? 

So the question is, how is the birth of Jesus changing you? As my friend texted me, “If the birth of Christ doesn’t affect us we are in deep trouble. 

I want to say thank God for the greatest gift of all your Son Jesus Christ the Lord.

Donnie Spears is the pastor at Corinth Baptist Church near Cassville. He may be reached at 417-847-4165.