Christmas is our favorite time of year. We love the lights, the good cheer, the anticipation of family coming home, and most of all, the celebration of a Savior for world.
Two thousand years ago, an angel burst into the night sky over Bethlehem, and announced: “Behold, I bring you good news of great joy which shall be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Messiah Jehovah (Christ, the Lord). And you shall find the baby wrapped in flannel cloth, and lying in a manger.”
Jesus was born outside Bethlehem in a place where Temple shepherds cared for the sheep destined for sacrifice, showing that He was born to be “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” Since sin is the root of all evil. Jesus came to pluck that root by paying for our sins, offering forgiveness, and bestowing a new nature of righteousness to every individual across this globe who receives Him as Lord and Savior.
Yet, Christmas is more than just remembering a historical event 2000 years ago that changed the world, it is also a celebration of things to come. Jesus promised His disciples, “I will return again and take you to my side, that where I am, there you may be also.”
In spite of centuries of horrific persecution, Christians have lived in the confident and joyful anticipation of Christ’s return. But this time he will not arrive as a lamb, but as “The Lion of Judah” to judge the world in righteousness, to bring justice, to end wars, to speak peace to the nations and to set up His eternal kingdom.
The glory of Christmas is this: Jesus is the Savior of the world. Merry Christmas.