Luke 2.1-20
The account of Jesus Christ’s birth is a great message of the Scriptures. This was an unexpected message given to a group of shepherds on a night they were doing what they did every night, watching sheep. It was an expected message, as the prophecies given to the Old Testament were clear. The Messiah would be born of a virgin in Bethlehem. “The angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord’” (Luke 2.10-11). This is great news! This is news bringing great hope and joy; this is news long awaited and anticipated; this is news from the Father of all creation given to a lost people, who did not know they were lost. This is great news for all people – the Savior is born! This is news bringing us great joy, filling our hearts with praise; this is news which would forever change the course of our lives.
The message given that Jesus was born, that the Christ child had come, that the Messiah had entered earth as a baby was announced by the angel. Jesus, the fulfillment of prophecy; Jesus, the Son of God; Jesus the Messiah, the Savior of the lost; Jesus the Creator, who came to live with His creation; Jesus the giver of hope, for those who wander hopelessly; Jesus the life-giver, who came to provide eternal life; Jesus the perfect One, who willingly took our place and took upon Himself our sins on the Cross of Calvary; Jesus the Lamb of God, being the perfect sacrifice on the perfect altar providing perfect atonement for our sins; Jesus, our Redeemer; Jesus, our friend; Jesus, our light in the darkness of this world; Jesus the crucified One, rose from the grave and conquered death; Jesus, someday coming again to translate us into His glorious presence; Jesus, our Lord. The message is news which transforms, which delights the saddest heart; which fills believers with unending joy; which gives us clear reason to live and rejoice.
Celebrating Christ – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry Burlingame
My Morning Desk 