Good News of Great Joy December 24, 2012
How did the angel say it that night? “Unto you is bornthis day a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” In that one sentence, we have theheart and soul of Christianity. It’s volumes of doctrine in one line. It’s thegospel in miniature.
If He is “the Lord,” this child was somehow supremeover all, their King, their Sovereign. Not Caesar, not Herod, but Jesus. Themeaning of Christmas includes this: Christ is Lord.
“Christ” is more a title than a name, like President orDoctor. It means “Messiah,” God’s anointed, the long-awaited one who wouldfulfill all the OT prophecies. This baby was the one they’d been awaiting for along, long time.
“Savior” means deliverer, rescuer. Every human beinglongs for a savior of some type. We look for someone or something that willsolve our problems, ease our pain, or grant us happiness. We might try successin business, the discovery of a perfect friend, a new gadget, a bit oflong-awaited news. But none of these can possibly deliver. But here, in theburst of light flooding the fields of Bethlehem,we hear good news of a Savior who is finally able to do the job.
The little word “born” implies something very importantabout this Messianic Lord and Savior: He was a normal human being. Christmas isnot about a religious experience or an abstract idea. It’s about a living,breathing baby boy. There was no halo around His head, no glow from His skin.The sign the angel gave them was remarkable only for its humility—they’d findHim wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger. It’s a significant point,because we need a real person to atone for human sin. The debt was owed bymankind, so it took a man to pay it.
And finally, “unto you.” This Savior comes… for you! It’s apersonal offer, and it must be received personally. Listen again to the praiseof the angels: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among thosewith whom he is pleased.” The word “peace” means much more than a negotiatedsettlement or a well-patrolled neighborhood. When God brings peace, He doesn’tleave resentment simmering below the surface, waiting to explode. God’s peaceis the answer to our deepest human yearnings. And it’s found in the Savior whosuffered God’s righteous wrath against your sins.
Good news of great joy indeed!