Red is used for Christmas décor for many reasons, but one is most important. Red symbolizes the blood of Jesus whose birth on earth ended with His ultimate sacrifice to save us from our sins. God’s earthly plan was always known but two thousand years ago it was shown.

Mary labored and gave birth in a less-than-idea room. She wrapped Jesus tight and laid him in a mere manger. Jesus resided in tiny human flesh to start his earthly purpose. God chose meager and humble surroundings to deliver His Son to the world.

When the angel announced, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11), I’d imagine the angel was amazed and the shepherds were shocked! To hear this proclamation of deliverance would have been an incredible experience.

After the shepherds saw the Newborn King they could not keep the news inside! They spread the news abroad that Christ the Savior had been born. I’d assume a few skeptics found an angel, joined by many more angels, appearing to bring such news a bit unbelievable. Nonetheless, the shepherds shouted the good news because they had seen the Savior firsthand.

Thirty-three years later Jesus prepared to return to Heaven, but He had to finish first. The Last Supper, His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, was followed by His terrible trial. Falsely accused and beaten beyond recognition, Jesus then hung upon the cruel cross. His last breath proclaimed, “It is finished.” They wrapped Jesus in grave clothes and buried Him in a borrowed tomb. Three days later He arose again. God’s Son is the greatest gift known to man.

I’ve received God’s gift, not wrapped in a red bow but in grave clothes. Covered by Jesus’ blood, I’m saved and promised eternity in Heaven. I’ve experienced Jesus firsthand, and like the shepherds, I can’t help but tell others!

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15