| It's Not Just Theology - article by Joel Hempel
The birth of Christ is not just theology. The word theology is constructed from two Greek words: Theos (God) and logos (word). So, theology means words about God. There are a lot of words in songs, sermons, and teachings about the birth of Jesus. These are essential words, crucial words to inform us and communicate biblical truth. But the birth of Jesus is far more than words about Jesus. Imagine, if you will, being pregnant. Of course, women can imagine this more easily than men. But you men out there, try to imagine a baby growing inside you. From my male perspective, I can’t think of anything more exciting and frightening than a baby growing in me. What a wonderful blessing and responsibility! Christmas is about a baby conceived and growing in Mary. But Christmas is more than that amazing truth. It is also about Jesus being conceived and growing in each of us. Unlike the biology of birth, however, Jesus does not exit our being after nine months. Nor does Christ within us remain a spiritual baby. Jesus grows within us our entire lives to fill our being – our decisions, passions, thoughts, feelings, expressions, and behavior. To have Jesus within us is salvation, life now and into eternity. Also, to have Jesus within us is to have him and his theology (his words about God and God’s will) applied in our lives and lived out in our relationships. I remember with great excitement and amazement the birth of our sons. I was privileged to be among the first generation of men permitted to be in the delivery room and watch the incredible miracle of birth. There is almost nothing more fantastic than watching a little human being born from the woman you love. I say “almost” because there is one thing more incredible. It is the realization that Christ Jesus is literally within you, growing and changing your life for the better and forever. | 
