December 15, Rejoicing with the Angels

Luke 2: 8-12  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 laying in a manger.  (NIV)

Promise:  God’s promised Messiah, Christ the Lord, is the Savior of all mankind.

Why is it important to know this promise?

God’s character is revealed:  His Faithfulness, Sovereignty, Eternality, Savior, Redeemer, Lover of all mankind, Promise Keeper and Joy.

Promise provides me with:  assurance that salvation is for all who believe, knowledge that God has a plan of redemption to bring me into a right relationship with Him,  joy in Christ’s coming as Savior and good news for all people everywhere.

     The Bible shows how God planned the coming of Jesus from the beginning. His plan is detailed to the exact place of Jesus’s birth, his parents and his purpose in coming.  It is indeed good news that Jesus came to save us from our sins as only He could.  Acts 4:12 says “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”  This promise is for anyone who will believe- any gender, race or creed- all mankind.  The Apostle Peter wrote in 2Peter 3:9 ” The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise , as some understand slowness, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”  The early Christian were anxious for Christ to return, but as Peter explained God has his own timing and wishes all to come to repentance.  This Christmas don’t keep Jesus in the manger.  Know that he came to save us and did so through his death and resurrection.  We serve a risen Christ!  Rejoice and tell others of our risen Savior. When we consider all the work Christ has done for us we too can proclaim with the angels , “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth ‘peace’ good will toward men.”  Luke 2:14 (KJV)

Have a blessed day,

Linda

The Judean hills outside Bethlehem.