Scripture: Luke
2:10-12
But
the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good
news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the
city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
"This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in
cloths and lying in a manger."
Insights: Today’s verses give us the powerful
salutation of the angel to the shepherds.
It truly is a powerful greeting and announcement. As usual the angel had to assure the
shepherds they had no reason to fear him or his message. The very next part of the reception
was “I bring you good news.” The gospel
of Jesus Christ IS good news. God loved
us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to this earth to live among us, to die
for our sins and finally to have victory over sin and death by His
resurrection. This message is known as
the gospel and has the power of life and death; life to those who receive the
gift of salvation found in Jesus or death to those who reject such a gracious
offering for them. The second part of
the angel’s message was what occurs to those who receive the gospel. They receive joy which is unspeakable in so
many ways. If you are born again, then
you know exactly about what I am writing.
If you are not born again, then you just do not understand because you
do not have the joy of Jesus in your life.
The final part of the salutation I wish you to take to heart is the
intended recipient of this joy and good news.
The joy and good news is for ALL people.
God desires all to enter into His rest. He understands most will not
receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
He does, however, still offer such a gift of grace to the
perishing. Beloved, just like the angel,
we are supposed to be messengers of grace to the lost and dying of this
world. Let us be as valiant and bold as
this angel. May we point all men to the
love of Jesus Christ, their Savior. It
is my prayer that on this Christmas day you have taken opportunity to reflect
on His work in your life. I pray, if
opportunity presented itself, you shared the gospel. I pray the Lord was honored by your conduct
and attitude this day of remembrance of our Savior’s birth.
Questions:
- On
this Christmas
day is your heart filled with joy?
- Have
you received the gift of salvation the Christ child bought for you?
Prayer: Father, thank You
for the true gift of Christmas, Jesus Christ, Your Son. May my heart be filled with joy this day as I
encounter You and Your grace. Amen.
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