And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
- Luke 2:8-11
Generations waited in expectation for the coming of the Messiah – or the promised one of God. And yet when He came, his birth went mainly unnoticed by the world. He was born in a stable and was laid in a feeding trough. He was wrapped in swaddling cloths. He was not surrounded by royalty, nobles, religious leaders or even by those highly regarded by society. No, he was surrounded by his young virgin mother, earthly father Joseph, and stable animals. His birth was one of abject humility and condescension. His humble birth shows that He would surprise people and do the unexpected.
Immediately after his birth, an angel was sent by God the Father to go and proclaim the good news. But to whom the angel was sent is surprising and unexpected. Again, royalty, nobles, religious leaders were not on the scene. Rather, the angel was sent to a lowly, humble, and rather-average group of people – shepherds. In this, we see that God is consistent to care for and rescue those of low estate (Ps. 136:23-24).
Something about the angel’s presence must have been startling, overwhelming, and terrifying, for the shepherds were filled with great fear. The angel responded, plainly telling them not to fear, but rather to behold – or to see, gaze upon, observe – that they bring good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
This good news should pause us, for in those two sentences two marvelous proclamations are made. One: this good news (translated gospel) is full of joy and is meant for ALL people – the outcasts, the populars, the young, the old, the Jew, the gentile, men, women, etc. Two: the person who was born is the Savior, the Christ, and the Lord. Those three titles respectively outline His mission, His royalty, and His authority. Let’s take a brief moment to parse out these titles.
As Christmas quickly approaches, let us not forget that Jesus – the Savior of the world – came as a baby with a mission to save sinners. His mission was marked by servitude and humility. And out of his great love for sinners and obedience to God the Father, he went to the cross and died in order to save and reconcile man to God.
As Christmas quickly approaches, let us not forget that Jesus – the Christ – is the King of Kings (1 Tim 6:15, Rev 17:14; 19:16). He set aside His royal position to come to the earth as a baby. This incarnation, or God in the flesh, revealed that Jesus was truly God and truly man. He lived the life we cannot live and died the death we deserved to die and was raised to life so that all who believe in him are forgiven and have new life. And when we believe in Him, His righteousness – think royal robes – are imputed to us (2 Cor 5:21). Moreover, unlike earthly rulers, he rules forever (Rev 11:15).
As Christmas quickly approaches, let us not forget that Jesus – the Lord – is one with God (Jn 10:30). He is God. He is God among us (Jn 1:14). He is the Lord over all and the Lord of Lords (1 Tim 6:15). His authority is unmatched, and He sits at the right hand of the Father. And when He returns it will be plain to all (believers and unbelievers) that He is Lord of Lords (Rev 17:14; 19:16).
This Christmas, may we be like the shepherds who went with haste (Lk 2:16) to “see this thing that has happened which the Lord made known” (Lk 2:15). May we take time this Christmas to unwrap and cherish the truths that Jesus came for you, for me, for your loved ones, for the entire world as Savior, Christ, and Lord.
Prayer: Father, I confess that the Christmas season so easily got out of focus; I lost sight of the meaning of the good and joyful news. I focused on gift giving and all the things that I didn’t take time to unwrap and cherish the sacred truths of who Jesus is. By your grace, help me to slow down and keep you as the center. Thank you for sending your son Jesus to dwell among us – to be our Savior, Christ, and Lord.
Reflection:
- How have you overextended yourself this Christmas season? How has this impacted your heart? Your worship of Jesus?
- Take time to reflect on each title of Jesus – Savior, Lord, and Christ. If helpful, look up some of the Bible verses listed above.
- Identify someone in your life who needs to unwrap these great truths about Jesus. Take time to pray for them and for an opportunity to share the gospel with them.
Hymn to Sing: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
