“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).
Good news…
Great joy…
For all the people…
I love that. Who doesn’t like good news? Who doesn’t like joy? That’s why Christmas is beloved by so many people. You don’t even have to be a Christ-follower to love Christmas. In fact, most of the people celebrating Christmas are far from following Christ.
Luke tells us the source of “good news” of “great joy” for “all the people” – to you, a “Savior” is born. He is the “Messiah,” the “Lord.”
- Savior – Jesus is born in order to die on the cross to assuage the wrath of a holy God
- Messiah – Jesus is the anointed one, the one set apart to be born in order to die
- Lord – Jesus is Lord for he has purchased the eternal lives of those he saves
Christmas isn’t just a time to make us feel cozy and warm about family and friends. At the heart of the Christmas story is the truth that sinners are deserving of God’s wrath and judgment. But because God loves sinners, because God could not imagine an eternity without us in it, God sent his own Son to bear the brunt of God’s wrath on the cross and in hell. So that, all who receive Jesus as Lord and Savior will rise with Christ and be given eternal life.
That is the reason for the “good news” of “great joy” for “all the people.” This is great news for all sinners for we have a Savior!
Thank you, God.
Merry Christmas!
Praxis: Faith in Action 