This is indeed a glorious day that we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior, Redeemer, and Messiah near the town of Bethlehem.
His mother, Mary, was a young virgin Jewish girl, while his earthly step-father, Joseph, was a carpenter by trade.
Mary's age, according to some church historians was only 12 of 13 when the angel Gabriel came to her and told her she would be the mother of God's son – the Messiah.
Mary and Joseph were already engaged to be married, but oh how their life changed.
In the gospel of Luke 1:34-35 (NIV) we read: “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God.”
No doubt Mary was fearful of the daunting task she faced. She probably was unable to comprehend how she would was able to conceive, but she obeyed God with her belief.
This was the beginning of salvation for mankind in a very difficult time in history.
Christmas today for most of us is a feel-good time, a time of joy and laughter, singing and gift giving.
None of this changes the pain that some in other parts of world are facing.
As we celebrate Christmas today many people are dying of hunger, or in hostile gunfire. Others are looking on helplessly as a child dies, others grieve the loss of a family member or loved one through lack of medical help or the basics like clean water and good food.
Others don't know how they will survive another season without rain for their farms crops.
It was into this kind of world that Jesus was born.
People were poor, oppressed and killed by the Romans.
Many children died before their first birthday. Children were killed by the soldiers of their own king – King Herod.
It was a tough and dangerous time.
Mary and Joseph probably wondered why God would send a child – such a special child –– into a place like Israel – a place where there was so much oppression, violence, death and poverty.
God had a plan and Israel was an important part of it.
As we celebrate Christmas today, let us consider not only the fact of his coming but much more. Let us consider the meaning of his coming. And not only the meaning of his having come to earth, but the meaning of his having come to dwell within each one of us as we yield ourselves to His love.
We have been given the gift of this Holy Child. We have been given a gift much greater than anything which can wrapped in ribbons, stuffed in boxes, or loaded into stockings.
The gift is sweeter than and more delicious than any homemade cookies or candy.
We have been given the gift of God’s unmerited unearned grace.
Today our chains are broken and we are free in Christ because of this little baby, who came to earth to fulfill a mission of salvation.
Today you are a child of God not because of anything that you have done or failed to do.
To you is born a Savior who says, ‘Your sins are forgiven’.
To you is born a Savior who says, ‘Be healed’.
To you is born a Savior who says to the storms we face, ‘Be still!’
Our position in Christ is based on God’s grace alone and it is only through faith in him alone we are able to experience that grace in our lives.
After today, “What will you do with that gift?”
Will you cast it aside, assuming it to be of little value – as though it were only an empty opened unwrapped box – or will treasure its true value and meaning?
Will you allow the gift of Christ's love to transform you?
Will you see the baby Jesus for who he is or will you dismiss Him as a simply a new born baby?
These morning messages are now available by email. Simply write me with you email address at schneider.nick@gmail.com, and I'll be happy to forward them to your in-box.
No comments:
Post a Comment