When was the last time you heard a good story? And what did you like about that story? We all like stories. Stories are good when they are real, when they encourage a person. Some stories are fun to listen to. Some bring back good memories, and we love them because of what they do to us. They either excite us, especially when there is a hero and that hero is us.
We all look forward to Christmas. It is a day marked by excitement.
But there is a story in history that has brought joy to people, especially those saved by the grace of God. The birth of Jesus brings a lot of emotion when one thinks about it. In this devotion I would like us to consider what the birth of Jesus Christ brings, its uniqueness and meaning, and why the weary world can rejoice.
1. Joy for the Rescued
Christmas is a time of anticipation. We all look forward to Christmas. It is a day marked by excitement. Families come together after a long year. We spend time together, watch films or series, and laugh. It’s a mix of resting and being surrounded by the people we love. Children await their gifts; adults too. Mom is going flat out to prepare a feast that will make her family happy. Dad is glued to the braai, maybe the sport, even both. But the joy and excitement doesn’t last long.
Then you blink and it’s January. Christmas is done.
Waking up on the 26th the event is usually over. We eat leftovers. The kids grow tired of their new toys. Mom is exhausted from the preparations. Dad finds himself bored of the braai and the sport. Then you blink and it’s January. Christmas is done. The New Year is here. But for the believer, Christmas brings news of great joy. That joy isn’t limited to the festive season. It pervades the year and all of life.
We don’t know when exactly Jesus Christ was born. But the 25th of December has become the day we reflect on his birth. Whenever the exact day was in history, an angel announced: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). Those who’ve experienced God’s grace in Christ know an unsurpassed joy and peace (Philippians 4:4, 7). Born of the virgin Mary, he came to save people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). Christ’s birth is no abstract point, some fact of history. By it God began his work to reconcile us to himself. And in his presence there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11).
2. Rejoice in His Roles
a. Saviour
The birth of Jesus Christ brings good news. Great joy. For example, if you’re trapped in a burning building, you know that if help doesn’t arrive you’ll die. Your only real hope is rescue. So when you hear the siren of the firefighters, you feel a surging relief and rejoicing.
Your only real hope is rescue.
The angel’s announcement, above, goes on: “unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour” (Luke 2:11). God came to rescue his people. This was Jesus’ role. What kind of rescuing? Well, rescue from the wrath of God. Schrock defines the wrath of God as, “holy action of retributive justice towards persons whose actions deserve eternal condemnation.” Though we don’t deserve it, Christmas is an invitation to delight in our Saviour.
b. Lord and King
In addition to identifying him as our Saviour, the angel declares Christ to be Lord (Luke 2:11). This child, the Saviour, would reign over the cosmos. Born in the city of David, this was the great Lord and God David anticipated. He was set apart by the Father not only to save sinners but to rule over God’s people. Forever.
He was set apart to rule over God’s people. Forever.
Even though he was born a man, he was God. Indeed, Jesus is God. The “Lord” of Luke 2:11 is the New Testament word referring to Yahweh, God’s name in the Old Testament. The Son of God came into our world and offered his life as a sacrifice, pleasing to God. His life was the only thing that could satisfy the wrath of God. For there was no one else who could live in perfect obedience to God. He is, however, both Saviour and Lord. He cannot be the one we turn to for salvation without also becoming his subjects. The life he gives us must be given back to him.
3. The God Man Is Good News
Mankind is in rebellion against God. We have been since the Garden of Eden. But Jesus represents mankind, obeying God’s law. He perfectly keeps it; that is, he doesn’t merely avoid sin, he enacts righteousness, positively. Jesus loves God and neighbour, putting both above himself. In the gospel we receive that righteousness and he dies in our place, for our sin. Thus at Christmas sinners are declared righteous because of Jesus Christ; Christ, on the other hand, who knew no sin, became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Remember the great truths of his coming and rejoice.
This is the only news that matters. “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 Saviour, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). As you look forward or reflect on Christ’s birth, remember the great truths of his coming and rejoice. Retell the story too. For all of us love stories. But none are as glorious as the one about God’s great love for you and me, for sinners.
