The LORD Has Come

Luke 2

The Birth of Jesus

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

[Luke 2: 1-20 NIV]

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.”

[Isaiah 9:6 NIV]

Now, I don't know if it was a midnight clear, and by the sound of the angels, I doubt it was silent. I don't think there was snow, and somehow, I doubt there was mistletoe. It didn't matter. So many years ago, God came. He came as a child. Into a dark world. He came to live a perfect life, and die, for you and for me.

For years, the world had cried out for a Savior. 'Oh come, oh come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel."

Emmanuel means 'God with Us."

Today, the world cries out for a Savior. The world cries out in its need and looks towards things like drugs, and alcohal, towards the newest gadgets, better jobs, medications, all in the hope that it will end their sorrows.

"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" —which means, "God with us." [Matthew 1:23 NIV]

Today, we have a Savior. God is with us. GOD! God promised to take our sorrows. Jesus died so that we can live. That little baby slept in the manger. Not a crib, not a bed. The CHRIST spent His first night on earth in the food dish for farm animals. Emmanuel, God with us, sleep in heavenly peace.

Hark! The Herald angels sang.
Glory in the Highest!
Peace on Earth

It's not about Santa Claus. It's not about the snow. It's not about the gifts under the tree. It isn't about what you did, or didn't recieve from your family and friends. It isn't about wish-lists, or turkey, or stuffing, or carolling. It isn't about the tree, or the lights, or attending all those holiday parties. It's not about searching the stores for the perfect present. It's not about holiday specials, or Charlie Brown, or the Grinch, or even Frosty the Snowman. It's not about Christmas Bonuses, or Hot Chocolate or Hostess gifts.

Christmas is about Christ.

And it always will be.

Joy to the world, the LORD has come
Let earth recieve her King.
Let every heart prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing.

Merry Christmas, everyone!