Dec 18, 2025 Noticing Jesus – Words of Grace Blog – December 19, 2025
We can often remember exactly where we were and what we were doing when historical events happened. For example, my parents’ generation can tell the story of what they were doing when Neil Armstrong first set foot on the moon. The world would never be the same. I remember watching the coverage of the Berlin wall coming down. I also remember being in my dorm room when the twin towers collapsed. Each of these events would shape the world in irreversible ways, and everyone noticed when they happened.
We can talk about where we were when these things happened because we noticed them. For many of them there was worldwide coverage. There were often months of anticipation. Important people were commenting on it. People got together to watch and talk about it, and for good events, to celebrate.
Jesus’s birth was a much more significant event than any listed above. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. God’s Son came to earth and was born of a woman. The Savior of the world had arrived. And yet it went largely unnoticed.
There was no national coverage, no celebrity commentary, no celebration. He was born to an unknown couple, in an insignificant town, in the middle of the night. The announcement was given—not to kings or scholars—but to shepherds.
Where was everyone else? Sleeping.
And yet, Luke thought it necessary to include the record of Jesus’ birth. Why? Because he wanted us to notice it. He wanted us to pay attention to the significance of the Son of God being born.
December is a notoriously busy season. Between final exams, Christmas parties, family obligations, shopping, and even church-life events, it is very common to feel absolutely slammed and overwhelmed. It can often be difficult to just take a breath.
And with all of that it can be very easy for us to get through the celebration of Christmas without really noticing Jesus.
So what can we do?
First, we can dwell on our need for Jesus’ arrival. Jesus came …to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death (Luke 1:79). Our sinful and rebellious hearts leave us in desperate need for a savior. Jesus’ arrival means salvation is possible.
Second, we can dwell on the ultimate purpose of Jesus’ birth: his death, burial, and resurrection. There is a sweetness to the nativity story, and we certainly can celebrate it. But the sweetness of the nativity is accompanied by the bitterness of his death for us. Let us meditate on it and let this shape us.
Finally, if we truly notice Jesus’ birth, we can respond to it. The shepherds were the only outside parties let in on the news that night. Their response was twofold. First, they told people about it. The Good News of Jesus’ birth was on their lips. They let other people know about it. And they also went away glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.
So let’s notice the miracle of Jesus’ coming and let our hearts be filled with praise because of it.
– Josh Hussung
Today’s post is written by Josh Hussung, Pastor of Youth & Family Ministries. Josh will be preaching this Sunday, December 21.