We who know the Lord celebrate Christmas for what it truly is . We rejoice in the human birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We give thanks to our God of love who selected a young virgin named Mary, from the house of David, the great past king of Israel to bear His child. A child to be born in the flesh as a Son of Man,’ Immanuel’, who would walk among us. A person of flesh that would feel everything we feel, yet be totally God.. Son of man – Son of God, Savior of the lost – the Light of the World.
Mary was told to “give him the name, Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins”. Matthew 1:21
The Scriptures tell us that Joseph, the man who God had selected to help Mary raise His Son, had taken Mary to Bethlehem the town of David, to register as had been required at that time for tax purposes. We know of course the reason they actually went is because the prophecy had said the Christ would come from Bethlehem. The timing was not coincidental. It was God’s time – it was perfect – as it is for us when great events come. The Word says:
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will will be for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.’ Luke 2: 6-14
As we look at the event that changed everything for mankind, we see how each person in it was called to have a particular part.
Mary, His Mother, and Joseph, husband of Mary, had been visited previously by angels to tell them what was ‘going’ to happen, and the part they would play. The Shepherds were visited by an angel to tell them what ‘had’ happened. They were the first to hear the announcement. Luke 2:17 says, “When they had seen Him, they ‘spread the word’ concerning what had been told them about this child.” Their part was to spread the word.
Verse 20 says, “The Shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” No doubt their lives would never be the same after they saw, and believed.
We know that later, Magi, those who study the stars, upon seeing His star realized the king of the Jews had been born. They came to worship Him, and bring treasures of gold, and incense, and myrrh to Him. Matthew 2: 1-12 When they had seen Him, they knew: Their part was to ‘spread the word’ – the King has been born. No doubt their lives would never be the same after they saw, and believed.
Each of us have been born with a part to play. Each of us have different stations in life, but we all have a common and primary purpose. Our primary purpose is to ‘spread the Word’, and to live in the results of The Word. Whether we are shepherds with little materially, or people of great knowledge and wealth, our purpose is the same. Once we have seen the Lord as ‘Savior’, we are to Spread the word. We have good news. A Savior for “All” the people has been born. He is Christ the Lord -when you see Him, your life will never be the same.
May we never forget we are Greatly Blessed – Highly Favored, and Deeply loved, as we celebrate the birth of the Christ Child, our Savior. The most beautiful “Gift” ever given.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!
I love you,
Poppa B
Abundant Life Christian Fellowship,