The Child is Born

​Luke 2:10-11 ~ “And 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.’”
 
Merry Christmas! There is much made of Christmas day, as gatherings of families and friends will fill houses with the warmth of the kindness of this season. Yet, in the days long ago, a different gathering was taking place. A group of shepherds were doing their task and keeping watch over their flocks at night. That dark evening was broken by heavenly light as the angel of the LORD appeared and proclaimed a message that would change all mankind: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the LORD.” A child born is no great announcement unless it is THIS child! The long-awaited Messiah, the promised Redeemer, had been born in Bethlehem.
 
Trembling, the shepherds fell down in fear before the angel of the LORD. But, with two words, their trembling would turn to rejoicing as the angel said to them, “fear not.” Why? Because the message delivered by the angel was not one of wrath and judgment, but one of hope and the fulfillment of God’s purpose to provide redemption to mankind. So, as we consider the message on this Christmas day, we will look upon the three descriptions given by the angel that will alleviate the fears of all who believe.
 
First, we discover that this is a message of good news. Simply stated, the angel said, “I bring you good news.” This is the best news, for it is the gospel come to earth. There is one of two promises that will hold eternally true for all mankind—either we will be forever judged and condemned by the Righteous One who will punish us for our sins, or we will forever be with Him in glory, having our sins forgiven through the sacrifice of another. The coming of Jesus is the good news that God has sent the One who would take away the sins of the world. Consider the words of John the Baptist when he testified concerning Jesus, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Yet this is only good news for those who know they need a Savior and will look to the only One who can.
 
Next, we learn that this is not only good news, but it is a message of great joy. Our text continues, “of great joy.” Beloved, if we saw our sins in their full measure of their unparalleled wickedness, we would know the condemnation we deserve. And when we do understand our sins in such light, let us rejoice exceedingly that God has sent for us a Savior. Many in the world, today, will stiffen at the pardons offered by the magistrates of our lands. Yet, if you are a Christian, you have received a more abundant pardon and for eternal crimes against God. Let us be as Peter describes in 1 Peter 1:8-9, “Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” Let there be exquisite joy in the heart of those who have come to find their sins forgiven and life pardoned from the judgment of God.
 
Finally, we learn that this message is to have a global reach. Our text continues with these words, “that will be for all the people.” The message of the Savior coming to earth is one that all people can hear. And those who believe and put their trust in the LORD Jesus will have their sins forgiven on account of His saving grace. There is no outlier group or forgotten people. Even as the world draws to a close, the LORD sends another angel over the entire earth. We read in Revelation 14:6, “Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people.” And though this message is for all people, it does not mean that all people will grab hold of this tremendous grace. But for those who do, they will discover the news is good and their joy is great.
 
When you have experienced the joy of pardoned sin, can you contain it? It is a message that reaches beyond the borders of our world and brings the hope of salvation to all who believe. Let us remember on this Christmas day that the message delivered by the angel of the LORD is still the same today. I pray that you have opportunity to tell someone of the Savior who has been born in Bethlehem.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

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