Once again the world celebrates Christmas in the midst of crisis. Millions are not certain they will survive to see another Christmas. In many parts of the world, Christmas carolers will stand outside their neighbors' doors and sing "Silent Night! Holy Night!" Everyone is busily preparing for the holiday season.
Yet, in the midst of this preparation, millions have missed the real meaning of Christmas.
In the midst of the Christmas rush, Christ is often left out as we forget that it is actually His birthday we are celebrating. The precise meaning of that first Christmas is clear: God came to earth in human form.
Some 2,000 years ago, the angel revealed to the wondering and trembling shepherds the glorious news that there was born that day "in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11). The angel had already announced to Joseph the character of Christ's Saviorhood: "You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21).
Israel had looked for One who would deliver them from the bondage of Rome and restore the nation to an even greater glory and prosperity than was enjoyed in the days of King David. They never dreamed that this little Baby in Bethlehem's manger was the anointed One, the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Only a few devout people living in close communion with God, such as the aged Simeon, saw the spiritual significance of Christ's birth. Looking into the face of the Holy Baby, Simeon saw One who had come to be "a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of [God's] people Israel" (Luke 2:32).
Yet, in the midst of this preparation, millions have missed the real meaning of Christmas.
In the midst of the Christmas rush, Christ is often left out as we forget that it is actually His birthday we are celebrating. The precise meaning of that first Christmas is clear: God came to earth in human form.
Some 2,000 years ago, the angel revealed to the wondering and trembling shepherds the glorious news that there was born that day "in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11). The angel had already announced to Joseph the character of Christ's Saviorhood: "You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21).
Israel had looked for One who would deliver them from the bondage of Rome and restore the nation to an even greater glory and prosperity than was enjoyed in the days of King David. They never dreamed that this little Baby in Bethlehem's manger was the anointed One, the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Only a few devout people living in close communion with God, such as the aged Simeon, saw the spiritual significance of Christ's birth. Looking into the face of the Holy Baby, Simeon saw One who had come to be "a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of [God's] people Israel" (Luke 2:32).
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