The Message of Christmas

“… The Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.” 1 John 4:14

This is the message of Christmas told to Joseph as he slept,

“Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-21

It was the message delivered by the angel to a group of shepherds on the hillside.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11.

This is the good news. 

We have a Savior

His name is Jesus.

The angel announced it.

Simeon confirmed it when he took the infant Jesus in his arms declaring,

“ Mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” Luke 2:30-32

J. Wilbur Chapman spelled it out in the hymn, One Day, written in 1908.

“One day when Heaven was filled with His praises,
One day when sin was as black as could be,
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin,
Dwelt among men, my Example is He!

Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely forever;
One day He’s coming—O glorious day!”

Rejoice today in the one who came “to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10.

Merry Christmas!

GOOD NEWS

The shepherds were just doing their job out on the hillside when the startling angelic announcement lit up the night sky, 

“Fear not! For behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10, 11 

We know the story.  We hear it every year around this time. Maybe so often that the wonder of the message is lost amidst the items on this season’s “to do list.” So much to do. Little time. And even less energy. As I considered the message this verse came to mind: 

“As cold water to a weary soul, So is good news from a far country.” Proverbs 25:25

How fitting! God’s good news was delivered by an angel from a far country, an angel who worshipped at the very throne of God in Heaven! THAT news refreshes weary souls today like no other news possibly could. God’s GOOD news brings peace to the troubled soul and joy – “Great joy” - to all people if we will believe it. 

Reflect on the words of this hymn, penned by Helen Howarth Lemmel in 1922.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus   

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?

There's light for a look at the Savior,

And life more abundant and free:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face;

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting

He passed, and we follow Him there;

Over us sin no more hath dominion
For more than conquerors we are!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.

His word shall not fail you He promised;
Believe Him and all will be well.
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

So this Christmas, let’s look long into the wonderful face of the Savior, remembering that the baby in the manger was the One who came from the glory of a far country bringing salvation to a world hopelessly lost. HE is Christ the Lord!

Joy and Peace,
Ruth