It was a big enough deal that God sent an army of angels to accompany the messenger.
“For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: You will find the baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:11-12
It is, without a doubt, the most important message of all time!
Now, look a little closer; you’ll notice in the message - a “what” . . . a “who” . . . and a “for.”
Most of the angel-words focus on the “WHAT.”
It’s a boy!
Lovingly wrapped. Cocooned in cloth to mimic the womb.
Pretty normal stuff. But oh, how different He was!
Place of birth? It matters. We’re all asked that question. (Check your passport!)
Bethlehem, the City of David - right where the Bible’s prophecies said.
One of over 600 specific promises that would be fulfilled by this Little One.
A nice pediatric hospital for the King of Kings? Not at all.
Just a stable - about as humble and out of the way as you can get.
A simple feeding trough instead of a bed.
So, WHO is this? What’s the fuss?
Who is this one that made the angels sing, the shepherds gather, and the wise men follow?
A few words tell it all:
A Savior – Christ the Lord.
Apparently, we needed one - a Savior, that is.
The arrival of the Promised One is the Father’s gift of a Blessed Hope!
. . . the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. (Titus 2:13-14)
He’s a Savior who does what we could never do:
Satisfying the righteous demands of God,
Imparting His work’s benefits to us,
Qualifying us for “forgiven-child-of-God-status,”
And opening the door to eternal life.
It’s no wonder the angels sang!
But, there’s still one little part to go.
“FOR!”
For whom?
For all!
Not for those who are “good, for goodness sake.”
But for every Tom, Dick, and Harry, Sally, Jane, and Kathy known to man – and to God.
Every one of us that falls short.
No one left out. He’s a gift given for all.
It’s just like the angels said . . . Unto YOU!
This baby . . . born in time, to fulfill the promises, in a certain city, for a very definite purpose.
He is God’s gift to YOU.
So draw near – get really close.
It’s still a big deal.
Merry Christmas.
President Mike Gibson
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