Luke 2:10 - 11 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
Christmas Day is almost here! The parties, reunions, shopping, decorating, and similar activities are in full gear. There is joy in the air as people give and receive gifts, buy some things that they want this Christmas season, eat food they love, visit places they have wanted to but have not had time to see so far this year, and, of course, spend extra time with family and friends.
Christmas is a joyful season because in it we celebrate love, joy, peace, hope, and much more. The Bible says that God, the Father, sent his one and only Son, Jesus Christ. Christ came to earth as a baby some 2,000 years ago so that you and I can receive forgiveness of sins and restoration of life. Christ came as the solution to our problems, the provision for our needs, and as the sacrifice that, if received, will give life and power to our lives so that we can enjoy a wonderful life with God.
Through Jesus Christ, God the Father was establishing his rule (kingdom) on the earth. God deserves and wants to be honored as the Ruler of creation and all of life. When we surrender our lives to God through Jesus Christ, we become part of God’s kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy.
Christ came to restore the lost divine order that God originally established on the earth. He came to restore life, health, peace, and prosperity. He came to bring eternal life (the heavenly kind of life) to those who follow him. Today, let’s be awestruck by the unbelievable, great blessings that God sent to man when Christ came. Let’s marvel at the extreme generosity and kindness of God to us expressed in the giving of his Son. And let’s be blown away by the love and obedience of the Son to the Father in giving up the glories of heaven so that he can come to save us from our sins and their destructive consequences.
“Joy to the world, the Lord has come! Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare him room. And heaven and nature sing.” At last, salvation is here. Finally, the Savior has come! Because Christ came, we are blessed, exceedingly blessed! Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth for those on whom his favor rests!
Merry Christmas everybody!