The church lectionaries provide many lovely and meaningful readings concerning the Birth of Jesus. Yet, our thoughts tend to be drawn most to St. Luke, chapter 2. This time, my thoughts lingered on Luke 2:11, The angel tells the shepherds, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” The angel states to them that He is born ”unto you”, that is, for their sakes. The birth of this descendant of King David concerns the shepherds in a personal way. He is their Savior.
Even as a physically helpless newborn born in very humble circumstances, the Christ has the potential to save them. He is the One who will deliver His people in many ways- most importantly, He saves them from sin. This infant can heal their souls and restore their broken fellowship with God the Father. This little child in Bethlehem is their Savior because He is “Christ the Lord.” He is the Christ- God’s anointed one, the King of God’s people. He is their Lord because He is both the Son of David and the Son of God. The majesty and spiritual power of this helpless babe are beyond measure.
At Christmas, every human being is offered what he or she needs most- a Savior. Jesus Christ has many great titles and characteristics. We are celebrating the birth of the Messiah, who is also the eternal Word, God’s only-begotten Son. But even more for every fallen human being, this babe is what we all need. He is God’s appointed Savior. Whatever our external circumstances or internal mood, let us focus on what God does in the Holy Child. Jesus will be a great prophet, wise man, teacher, and healer. He is the Word become flesh who dwells among us. And even as a newborn, He is the divine Savior who delivers us from the world, the flesh, and the devil. Glory to God in the highest!
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