“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:8-14)
One’s first thought about Christmas is that of gifts. Our preparation for Christmas is chiefly the preparation of gifts. Nevertheless giving is not the deepest significance of this day. Christmas gets its significance from Christ. But Christ’s coming gets its significance from our need. Therefore, this is the first truth taught by Christmas.
Jesus came as a Saviour. The fact that we need a savior implies our being lost. The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin: “He came to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). The bright light of Christmas joy is heightened by the dark and dismal background of man’s helplessness.
The advent promise, as announced by the angels, is that this good tiding of great joy is yet to reach all people. The good tidings are based on the truth that Christ is born as a Saviour for all. This blessed Christmas day is yet to dawn for all people. The world today is one year farther away from the birth of Jesus, but glad and happy hope! It is one year nearer to the final triumph and glad reign of Christ. The birth of Jesus made possible a new birth for mankind.
Peace and goodwill were ushered into the world on this day. The first note of the chorus was “glory,” “Glory to God in the highest,” by which we are to understand that the incarnation of Christ manifested the glories of the Divine nature. The second note of the heavenly chorus was “peace.” This is a peace established between God and man, breaking down man’s rebellion by a wonderful manifestation of love: “He has made peace by the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20).
It is a peace established between man and Himself. Fallen, guilty man is not only in hostility against God, but in the region of his own spirit there is a disturbed commotion. Jesus quiets the disorder and stills the tumult. His advent brings inward serenity and tranquility to the soul.
The third note of the chorus is “Good will toward men.” Herein is goodwill, that God so loved the world as to give his Son (John 3:16). This great gift will set the entire world to giving, and goodwill among men will everywhere prevail.
No comments:
Post a Comment