Have you ever played the “what if” game? You know, those times when you wonder how life would be different if certain events had taken a different turn or if key people were missing from your story? As Christmas approaches, a weighty ‘what if’ has captured my attention: What if Jesus had never been born?
It’s a thought-provoking question that goes far beyond whether we’d have Christmas trees or holiday cookies. The impact of Jesus’ birth, life, and teachings has reshaped our world in ways so fundamental that we often take it for granted. Let’s unwrap this fascinating journey together and explore how different our world might be without the echoes from Bethlehem.
Life: From Dispensable to Sanctified
Imagine walking through the streets of ancient Rome, where human life was often considered disposable. Infanticide was common, gladiatorial games were entertainment, and the weak fended for themselves. Into this world stepped Jesus with a radical message: every human life has infinite worth because we’re all created in God’s image.
Jesus didn’t just preach this message; He lived it. He touched lepers when everyone else recoiled. He spoke to the outcasts when society shunned them. He showed compassion when others showed contempt. This revolutionary approach to human dignity became the foundation for countless humanitarian efforts throughout history.
Women: From Marginalized to Cherished
In a world where women were treated as possessions rather than people, Jesus shattered cultural barriers and elevated women’s status in revolutionary ways. He taught women publicly (remember Mary sitting at His feet?), spoke with them in public (think about the Samaritan woman at the well), and even appeared first to women after his resurrection.
These actions may seem ordinary now, but they were revolutionary in first-century Palestine. Jesus’ treatment of women as equals, worthy of respect and dignity, began a transformation that has influenced societies for two millennia. Without this influence, the journey toward women’s rights might have taken a very different path.
Children: From Overlooked to Treasured
“Let the little children come to me,” Jesus said, and with those words, he challenged another cultural norm. During an era where children were often seen as little more than property or cheap labor, Jesus elevated their status, declaring them worthy of attention, love, and protection.
This perspective revolutionized how society viewed children. Over time, it led to creating child labor laws, educational opportunities, and child protection services. The modern concept of childhood as a special time of nurturing and development owes much to Jesus’ teachings.
Handicapped: From Outcasts to Included
Remember the stories of Jesus healing the blind, the lame, and the sick? These weren’t just miracle stories; they were demonstrations of how we should treat those with disabilities. Jesus showed that people with disabilities weren’t cursed or lesser; they were worthy of dignity, respect, and inclusion.
I care daily for a severely handicapped brother. This experience has led me to grasp the deep truth of Jesus’ perspective on human worth.Though society favors productivity and achievement, Jesus teaches that every person has infinite worth because they’re created and loved by God. My brother doesn’t contribute in ways the world esteems. However, he teaches our family daily lessons about grace, patience, and the true meaning of human dignity. (I’ll be exploring the theme of unconditional love more deeply in February’s blog.)
Jesus’ compassionate approach spurred the development of hospitals and special education programs. Additionally, it fostered advocacy for disability rights. Without Jesus’ example, our treatment of those with disabilities might still reflect the harsh attitudes of ancient times.
The Poor: From Invisible to Important
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,” Jesus taught, transforming how we view poverty and those experiencing it. He didn’t just talk about helping the poor; he spent time with them, ate with them, and advocated for them. This radical approach to poverty has inspired countless charitable organizations, social programs, and humanitarian efforts throughout history.
Think about institutions like the Salvation Army, World Vision, and your local food bank. Many of these organizations trace their roots back to Christian principles of caring for those in need. Without Jesus’ influence, would we have developed such widespread networks dedicated to care of the poor?
Education: From Elite Privilege to Universal Right
Did you know that many of the world’s greatest universities – Harvard, Yale, Oxford, Cambridge – were founded on Christian principles? The belief that all people should be able to read and understand Scripture led to unprecedented efforts to promote literacy and education.
Christianity, fueled by the teachings of Jesus, has been a catalyst for education, establishing countless schools, colleges, and universities worldwide. The concept of universal education, regardless of social status or gender, owes much to Christian influence.
Arts & Music: A Cultural Renaissance
Gazing at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling or listening to Handel’s “Messiah,” one can’t help but recognize the profound influence Christian themes have had on some of the world’s greatest artistic masterpieces. The Church’s role as a patron of the arts has given us countless treasures in painting, sculpture, architecture, and music.
Without Jesus’ birth, we might have missed out on Bach’s cantatas, Mozart’s masses, and countless other masterpieces. The development of musical notation itself was largely driven by the Church’s desire to standardize sacred music.
Law and Politics: A Profound Transformation
One of the most remarkable features of our modern justice system is its delicate balance between punishment and second chances. This more compassionate approach springs directly from Jesus’ teachings. Instead of “an eye for an eye,” Jesus introduced concepts like mercy, forgiveness, and the possibility of personal transformation. These principles now form the backbone of modern justice systems. The practices of due process, equal justice under the law, and protection for the accused would have seemed radical in ancient times.
In the realm of politics and democracy, Jesus’ teachings about human dignity and value turned the ancient world’s power structures upside down. His radical notion that every person has inherent worth (because we’re all created in God’s image) laid the groundwork for democratic values like “consent of the governed” and the idea that leaders should be servants of the people, not tyrants over them. The concept that no one—not even kings or rulers—is above the law comes straight from the Christian principle that there’s a higher authority than earthly power.
Family: A Sacred Institution
Jesus emphasized the importance of family relationships, elevating marriage as a sacred covenant. His teachings about love, grace, and commitment within families have shaped Western civilization’s social and moral foundations.
As a result of Jesus’ influence, parents are encouraged to be more than just providers. They are called to be mentors and spiritual guides, nurturing their children’s hearts as well as their minds. The biblical model of gentle instruction, patient correction, and unconditional love stands in stark contrast to the harsh disciplinary practices common in ancient times.
Moreover, this family-centered approach has influenced social institutions beyond the home. Schools, churches, and community organizations have adopted programs that support whole-family development, recognizing that strong families build strong communities. The Christian model of a stable family life has impacted family law and spurred many social services.
Science, Health, and Medicine: Unforeseen Benefits
Contrary to what some might think, Christianity has been a powerful force in advancing scientific discovery. The belief that God created an orderly universe that could be studied and understood led many scientists—like Copernicus, Galileo, Newton, and Pasteur—to pursue their groundbreaking research.
The Christian commitment to healing the sick led to establishing the first hospitals and continues to inspire medical research and healthcare initiatives worldwide. Many modern hospitals still bear names reflecting their Christian heritage.
Conclusion: The Birth that Changed Everything
As we celebrate Christmas this year, it’s worth reflecting on how profoundly different our world might be if Jesus had never been born. His influence extends far beyond religious practices or holiday traditions. The values he taught—love, compassion, dignity, justice—have shaped our world in countless ways.
Even for those who don’t share the Christian faith, the impact of Jesus’ birth touches their lives daily through the institutions, values, and cultural elements that grew from his teachings. From the hospital where you were born to the university where you studied, from the art you admire to the rights you enjoy, Jesus’ influence is woven into the fabric of our society.
This Christmas, as we exchange gifts and share meals with loved ones, perhaps we can take a moment to appreciate how this one birth, in a humble manger in Bethlehem, set in motion changes that would transform the world. Amidst our modern Christmas celebrations, we’re all beneficiaries of that holy night and the resounding echoes of Christ’s life.
Your Turn
- When life feels chaotic, remember that God chose a messy stable for history’s greatest moment. Never underestimate how God can use humble starts.
- Like Jesus, see the infinite worth in each person you meet. Reach out to those who are vulnerable or hurting. Be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.
- Realize Jesus came to not just transform society, but to transform you. His birth opened the door for a personal relationship with God and a new beginning.
- Know that no situation is too messy for God’s redemptive touch. Bring your hopes, hurts, and heartaches to him, trusting that the One who changed the world can change your life.
My Scriptural Prayer for You
This Christmas, may you be filled with wonder at the Word made flesh who came to dwell among us in our broken world. May you rejoice with the shepherds at the good news of great joy for all people, understanding that Jesus came to transform not just the world, but your life. May your heart echo Mary’s song, knowing that “He who is mighty has done great things”, and still does mighty things today. And may you experience the peace the angels proclaimed—”Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men”—as you open your heart to the One whose birth changed everything. Amen.
John 1:14, Luke 2:10, Luke 1:49, Luke 2:14
Resources
What is Salvation? by Mike Leake
The Women of the Bible Speak: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today by Shannon Bream
How the Christian Hospital Movement Changed the World by Rosie Beal Preston
The Bible and Government – excellent chart listing Biblical principles as the basis for America’s laws
Medicine for the Mess – a free monthly email newsletter focused on finding God in the daily struggles and tough seasons of life
About the Author
Cheryl Liberatore is the author of the Amazon best-seller, Healing or Homecoming: Finding God When Life Is in the Balance. In it, she shares her husband’s and daughter’s journeys with terminal cancer—one ending in miraculous healing and one leading to eternal homecoming. Cheryl continues to write from her home, where she caretakes her severely handicapped brother. From her experience of God’s faithfulness during hardships, the God in the Mess ministry arose to encourage others experiencing adversity.
