You’re correct about one thing: Jesus was born in an insignificant place to a poor and insignificant family (at least as far as the world was concerned). In fact, when Mary and Joseph brought Him to the Temple to be dedicated to God, they could only afford the smallest offering permitted for the very poor (see Luke 2:22-24).

But God does not make mistakes—nor did He make a mistake when He allowed Jesus to be born in the insignificant little town of Bethlehem. Centuries before, the prophet Micah had foretold that the Saviour of the world would be born there (see Micah 5:2). Although small, Bethlehem was closely associated with Israel’s greatest ruler, King David. As a descendant of David, Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem would be a sign that He was God’s anointed Messiah.

Nor did God make a mistake by designating Mary as Jesus’ mother. She and her future husband, Joseph, were godly people, and could be trusted to raise Jesus according to the Word of God. And by placing Jesus in a poor family, God was demonstrating His love for all kinds of people. The angel announced to the shepherds, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10).

The real question, however, is this: What place does Jesus have in your life? Do you see Him simply as someone who lived two thousand years ago? Or have you accepted Him as He really is—alive today, and able to forgive and change you, and give you hope both now and forever?

You can have the eternal hope of Christmas today.