“And the angel of the Lord said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11). As prophesied in the Holy Scriptures more than 7,000 years before by the prophet Isaiah, (Isiah 7:14) “a virgin would conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (God with us). And his name would be Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins. And not only had the birth of Jesus been prophesied, but also the location had been foretold by the prophet Micah (Micah 5:3). In the book of Matthew we see numerous scriptures in which it is recorded that this came to pass in order to indicate that the Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled in Christ. As we gather in our churches and in our homes this Christmas season to reflect upon the Gift of good tidings and great joy, let us remember that it was because He so loved us that He gave his only begotten Son, so that whomsoever would believe in him would not perish, but have eternal life. It was for the joy that was set before him that Jesus made himself of no reputation, took upon himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and, being found in fashion as a man, humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, enduring the cross. His birth was not initially celebrated or noticed by many of that day, with only the shepherds in their fields and the wise men of the east being made aware of the birth of the Saviour of all mankind. It seems strange that such an important, far-reaching event received such little notice or recognition from even the religious leaders of the day, but it is true. Jesus came here to present himself as the means of obtaining eternal life, through believing in him. He did not come to judge or condemn anyone, but to seek and save those who are lost. Through his sinless offering he pleased his Father in everything, taking all of our sin upon himself, giving his life for us that we might live forever in heaven above. All have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God and, outside of the free gift that is offered through Christ, eternal life is not possible. Even though few noticed his coming on that Christmas Eve many years ago, dear friend, Jesus had you and me in mind when he left heaven’s glory to lay down his life for us. Are we able to find a greater love than this, that one would lay down his life for us, he who was made to forgive our sins, who knew no sin, that we might be made righteous through him? And to receive forgiveness full and free. This is the comfort and good tidings of joy at Christmas: To know the forgiveness of our sin through the power of the cleansing gospel of Jesus Christ! Merry Christmas to all and God’s Blessings for the New Year. The weekly spirituality column is a service brought to you by the pastors of local churches. If you would like your church or parish to be included in this column, call the Tri-County News at (320) 398-5000.
