Christmas is a time to pause and reflect. Call to mind the whole story of Christmas, not just the warm-and-fuzzy components. Remember that all of it—not only Jesus’ birth in a manger but also his bloody crucifixion, victorious resurrection, and promised return—reminds us of the need for a Warrior-Savior who will crush the Evil One and set the world to rights. Indeed, any resistance to Jesus is futile because the babe in a manger is simultaneously the triumphant King. And remember, more than anything, that we are able to celebrate this wonderful holiday because God loved us enough to roll up his sleeves, suffer on our behalf, and walk by our side. 

Several years ago, American Atheists launched two nationwide billboard campaigns urging viewers to celebrate Christmas by skipping holiday worship gatherings. The first billboard depicts a young woman informing a friend that she won’t be going to church with them and that her parents will “get over it.” The second billboard mocks Trump supporters, urging viewers to “Make Christmas Great Again!” by rejecting Jesus, who is the reason for the season.

When interviewed about the billboard campaigns, American Atheist President David Silverman responded, “It is important for people to know religion has nothing to do with being a good person, and that being open and honest about what you believe—and don’t believe—is the best gift you can give this holiday season.”

While I find it tacky and a little weird that Silverman gets such pleasure thinking about family division during the holidays, I agree with him that honesty is a good policy. So, in the spirit of Silverman and the American Atheists, I want to tell the honest-to-God truth about Christmas.

The truth is that the Christmas story is…

The Christmas Story is Bigger Than You Think

Do yourself and your family a favor this December. Start by reading Luke or Matthew’s account of Jesus’ birth; but don’t stop there. Tell the whole story, starting with Genesis and ending with Revelation.

You see, the Christmas narrative—fully told—is quite different from what one might typically imagine. It’s not the sappy and sentimental tale of a harmless baby, welcomed by shepherds and angels. It’s not only the true story of the whole world, but it’s one in which the “harmless baby” engages in a cosmic battle to defeat the forces of evil.

The cosmic battle begins in Genesis. After God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden as the crown of creation, a serpent slithers up to the first couple, questioning God’s word and his character. For unknown reasons, the first couple fell for the serpent’s lie and rose up in mutiny against their Creator.

By way of response, God arranges a meeting with them in the Garden, replete with a curse and a blessing. The curse is that humanity would now be alienated from God, live under the harsh yoke of Satan, and experience the many consequences that stem from rebellion. The blessing is that God would provide a way “out” of Satan’s clutch, an escape hatch, through the birth of a baby (Gen. 3:15).

Following this promise, the whole Bible—and all of history—is about the triumphant march of God to fulfill his promise.

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