Christmas Night

[Webers_Home]

~
● Luke 2:8-12 . . Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields
and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of The Lord
appeared to them, and the glory of The Lord shone around them, and they
were struck with great fear.

. . .The angel said to them: Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you
good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of
David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.

The angel announced the birth of a savior. Webster's defines a "savior" as
one who rescues.

Rescuing is what the Coast Guard does when boats capsize. Rescuing is what
Firemen do when people are trapped inside burning buildings. Rescuing is
what mountaineer teams do when climbers are in trouble. Rescuing is what
EMT paramedics do when someone needs to get to a hospital in a hurry; and
kept alive till they arrive. Rescuing is what surgeons do when someone
needs an organ transplant.

I could go on and on giving example of rescuer after rescuer; but I think we
get the idea. The New Testament's Jesus is like that: he rescues people from
the wrath of God-- people who not only fully deserve it, but definitely in line
to get it; and with no humanly possible way to avoid it.

Now; of what real benefit would the savior of Luke 2:8-12 really be to
anybody if he couldn't guarantee a fail-safe rescue from the wrath of God?
He'd be of no benefit to anybody. No; he'd be an incompetent ninny that
nobody could rely on.

But, if a savior were to be announced who guaranteed anybody who wants it
a completely free of charge, no strings attached, guaranteed fail-safe, sin
proof, human nature-proof, Ten Commandments-proof, bad behavior-proof,
apostasy-proof, reprobate-proof, back-sliding proof, Sermon on the Mount
proof, God-proof, Devil-proof, irrevocable rescue from the wrath of God, and
full-time protection from future retribution; wouldn't that qualify as good
news of great joy?

I think just about everybody concerned about ending up on the wrong side
of things would have to agree with me that news like that would not only
most certainly be good; but also cause for celebration, and ecstatic
happiness.

FAQ: Why did the angel appear to only the shepherds?

REPLY: One possibility is that the date of Zach 9:9 was accurately predicted
in advance by the prophet Daniel to occur on what we know as Palm
Sunday, (a.k.a. the Triumphal Entry, Matt 21:1-12)

But although Micah 5:2 predicted Messiah's birth would occur in Bethlehem;
the date of his birth wasn't given. Consequently, those sheep guys were the
only audience at hand instead of the thousands that one might expect at
such a significant event.

FAQ: How might an interested sinner get in on this rescue about which you
speak?

REPLY: It's available upon request. Find some privacy; even a restroom stall
is sufficient. Cover your face with your hands for a sense of connection and
under your breath tell God in your own words that you'd like to take
advantage of His son's death to protect yourself from retribution.
_

 

[L.A.M.B.]

Per my own choice, I do not recognize holidays except for Thanksgiving.
Near the end of the physical year my family gathers to grieve our losses, be thankful of our blessing and share love.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Every day IMO is to be
celebrated for the life, death and resurrection of the Saviour; Jesus, the Christ !
Psalms 145:2
Every day will I bless thee; And I will praise thy name for ever and ever.

 

[BarneyFife]

The King of glory chose to become human, living in a simple and unimpressive environment. He deliberately hid His divine glory so that people wouldn't be attracted to Him just for His impressive appearance. He avoided showing off wealth, seeking worldly fame, or trying to be important in the eyes of people. Jesus didn't want people to follow Him for superficial reasons. He wanted them to be drawn to the heavenly truths He shared. The Bible had predicted the Messiah's characteristics, and Jesus hoped people would believe in Him based on God's word.

The angels were amazed by the incredible plan of redemption. They observed how the chosen people, who were supposed to represent God, would welcome His Son, who came in human form. Angels went to the land where God's glory had been revealed and prophecy had been given. They went to Jerusalem, to the religious leaders and ministers of God's house. Despite prophecies about the Messiah and the birth of His forerunner, John, the people of Jerusalem were not getting ready to welcome their Redeemer.

The heavenly messengers were astonished at how indifferent the people of Jerusalem were, considering they were chosen by God to share the light of sacred truth with the world. The Jews were meant to show that Christ would come from the line of Abraham and David, but they were unaware of His imminent arrival. Even in the temple, where sacrifices pointed to the Lamb of God, there was no preparation to receive Him. The priests and teachers went through their rituals without realizing that the most significant event in history was about to happen. Their hearts were focused on selfish desires and worldly pursuits, and they were not ready for the revelation of the Messiah. This lack of interest extended throughout Israel, as most hearts were indifferent to the joy that thrilled heaven. Only a few were eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Unseen, and it was to these individuals that heaven's message was sent.

Angels accompany Joseph and Mary on their journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, prompted by the Roman decree for a widespread census. Just as Cyrus was chosen in the past to free the captives, Caesar Augustus becomes the instrument to fulfill God's plan, leading Jesus' mother to Bethlehem. Mary, being of David's lineage, must give birth to the Son of David in his city, Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy that the ruler of Israel would come from there (Micah 5:2).

However, in Bethlehem, Joseph and Mary find no recognition or honor. Weary and with no place to stay, they search the entire town unsuccessfully for shelter. The crowded inn offers no room, so they eventually find refuge in a humble place where animals are kept, and it is there that the Savior of the world is born.

Unbeknownst to humanity, this event brings great joy to heaven. The angels, with even more profound interest and tenderness, turn their attention to the earth. The entire world becomes brighter because of Jesus' presence. Above Bethlehem's hills, a countless multitude of angels awaits the signal to proclaim this good news to the world. Unfortunately, the leaders in Israel, entrusted with the message, miss the opportunity to share in the joy of announcing Jesus' birth.

God, however, promises to provide for those who seek light and accept it with joy. His declaration, "I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground" (Isaiah 44:3), assures that to those who seek and embrace the light, radiant beams from God's throne will shine, even in the midst of darkness (Psalm 112:4).

In the fields where young David once watched over his flock, shepherds were still keeping watch at night. During their quiet moments, they discussed the promised Savior and prayed for the King to come to David's throne. Suddenly, an angel appeared, and the glory of the Lord surrounded them, causing them to be frightened. The angel reassured them, saying, "Don't be afraid! I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David."

As the shepherds absorbed this incredible message, visions of glory filled their minds. The long-awaited Deliverer had come to Israel! They likely imagined power, triumph, and greatness accompanying His arrival. However, the angel had to prepare them to recognize their Savior in a different way—wrapped in simple cloths and lying in a manger.

The angel eased their fears, providing specific instructions on how to find Jesus. Showing compassion for their human emotions, the heavenly messenger gave them time to adjust to the divine light. Then, the joy and glory burst forth, illuminating the entire area with the radiant presence of the hosts of God. The world fell silent, and heaven seemed to bend down to hear the angels proclaim, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Oh, that people today could understand and embrace that beautiful song! The message proclaimed back then, the melody played then, will resonate until the end of time and echo to the farthest corners of the earth. When the Sun of Righteousness rises, bringing healing with Him, that song will be sung again by a vast multitude, like the roar of many waters, declaring, "Hallelujah! The Lord God Almighty reigns" (Revelation 19:6).

As the angels vanished, the light faded, and night returned to the hills of Bethlehem. However, the shepherds held onto the most radiant image ever imprinted on human memory. After the angels left, the shepherds said to each other, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." They hurried there and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.

Filled with joy, the shepherds shared what they had witnessed, and everyone who heard their story marveled at the extraordinary events. Mary, in the midst of it all, treasured these moments in her heart. The shepherds, on their way back, couldn't help but glorify and praise God.

Even today, the gap between heaven and earth is no wider than it was when the shepherds listened to the angels' song. Humanity is still the focus of heaven's care, just as it was when ordinary people engaged with angels during their daily routines. For those of us in ordinary, everyday life, heaven is not far away. Angels from above will accompany those who move at God's command, whether in vineyards, fields, or common walks of life.

The Bethlehem story is an endless source of inspiration. In it lies "the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God" (Romans 11:33). We are awestruck by the Savior's incredible sacrifice—leaving the heavenly throne for a humble manger, exchanging the company of adoring angels for the presence of animals in a stable. His presence humbles human pride and self-sufficiency. Yet, this was just the beginning of His remarkable humility.

It would have been an immense act of humility for the Son of God to take on human nature, even if Adam had remained innocent in Eden. However, Jesus embraced humanity when the entire race had been weakened by four thousand years of sin. Like every child of Adam, He experienced the consequences of the great law of heredity. The history of His earthly ancestors reveals what these consequences were. He came into the world with such a heritage to share in our sorrows and temptations and provide an example of a sinless life.

In heaven, Satan despised Christ for His position among God's courts. This hatred intensified when Satan himself was overthrown. He hated Christ, who pledged to redeem a race of sinners. Despite Satan's claim of dominion, God allowed His Son to enter the world as a helpless baby, vulnerable to the weaknesses of humanity. Jesus faced life's challenges just like every human soul, engaging in the battle with the risk of failure and eternal loss.

A human father's heart is filled with love for his son. He gazes at the face of his little one, fearing life's dangers. His desire is to shield his child from Satan's influence, protecting him from temptation and conflict. To confront an even harsher conflict and a more daunting risk, God gave His only Son, ensuring a secure path of life for our little ones. "Herein is love." Let the heavens wonder, and let the earth be astonished at the depth of this divine love.

.

 

[Pearl]

Ah but there may be many who have saved lives and so may be called saviours.
But there is only one who has saved all lives and is called Saviour.