Christmas and the Gospel
But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins .” 22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 “BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,” which translated means, “GOD WITH US .” Matthew 1:20-23 (NASB)
Most of us like holidays, merry making, and gifts. Even without Christ, the winter holidays would continue in some fashion or another. Many have no problem with the traditional Christmas story, but they don’t really believe it. Those who are antagonistic toward Christmas object to the many references to the One many believe is the long awaited Jewish Messiah, but at least they seem to comprehend what the holiday is all about. Whether or not Jesus was born on this particular date so long ago is not really the issue; rather, was his birth really the fulfillment of many prophecies made, in some cases, thousands of years earlier? Was he indeed the Promised One, the Messiah, and the coming King prophesied by the prophet Daniel? If he was, Christ’s birth inaugurated a universe-changing series of events here on earth.
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen is one of my favorite carols. In it is the line “the hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight.” Jesus was born into a world that was wracked with the effects of generations of sin, like waves crashing against some storm battered cottage during a hurricane. He did not come here for a vacation. He was dropped behind enemy lines to raise up what would prove to be a world-transforming team of the most unlikely of followers and to give his life away.
Our sin condemned the whole of humanity to the unwelcome prospect of an eternity separated from God, but the angel announced that Mary would have a miracle son, whom she and Joseph should name, Jesus, which means “God is salvation.” They announced that he would save his people from their sins. Little did they realize how he would do it. It all sounded so confusingly glorious, but the death he would die would be confusing in another way. How and why could the Messiah be crucified? He took our sins and punishment upon himself, so that we could be forgiven and free. He died and rose again so we could live forever with God’s life in God’s presence. His name “Immanuel” means “God with us,” and the Holy Spirit of God will come to live in all who put their trust in Jesus and what he did for us.
And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 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; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord . Luke 2:7-11 (NASB)
The angel also announced that Jesus would also be the Lord, the long-awaited King who would reign forever on David’s throne over all nations. The child who was born in Bethlehem so long ago will one day come in glory on the clouds to raise the dead, judge all people who have ever lived, and rule forever over his Father’s kingdom. This is the hope of all who believe.
Christmas today is not about a little baby in a manger in a far away land. It’s more about the fulfillment of God’s Messianic promises, which started God’s heavenly clock, which is rapidly winding down. The end of all things and Christ’s Second Coming is getting very near. This Christmas, don’t miss the point. Jesus, the long awaited Messiah, finally arrived in a most unexpected manner some two thousand years ago. He lived, died, and rose again, and now sits in heaven waiting for the grand finale. How you receive him now will make all the difference for you on that coming Day. Receive him now as your Savior and Messiah King, and you will rejoice at his Second Coming. Refuse him now, and you will have no place in his eternal kingdom, no everlasting life, no eternity with God – no hope. Christmas is your invitation to surrender your life and all you have to the Messiah King and, in exchange, receive all his blessings and benefits, both now and forever more.
Prayer
Jesus, I never realized that you are much more than a babe in a manger. Thank you for dying for my sins and sending your Holy Spirit. I receive your forgiveness and life. I also surrender my entire life to you, my Lord and King. I look forward to your coming again. Use me to tell others this glorious good news. Amen.
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