Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’” (Luke 2:10-11)
This was the great declaration concerning the birth of Jesus. Note some of the features of this announcement.
First, they proclaimed “good tidings of great joy”. They proclaimed Jesus, the one who is the very secret to peace and joy. It is an inner joy and peace that one can have even when the storm rages. It is the peace of knowing that I can be forgiven and the conscience freed of the guilt of sin.
Second, the declaration was made for the benefit of “all people”. This Savior is for all men, those of every nation. “And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.”
(Revelation 22:17) No matter the nationality or social status, Jesus loves them all. With all the flaws and blemishes, He still cares for them.
Third, they told of the humility of the Messiah. He was born of humble circumstances – born in a manger, to a common peasant woman, a carpenter’s son. His life even takes on greater meaning when it is given in pain and when God bring Him back to life again! Paul says, Christ was “delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.”
(Romans 4:25)
Fourth, they declared that he who was born was the “Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” An angel declared to Joseph, “"And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21) He is the Christ, the anointed one of God. He is Lord and he wants to be your Lord and your Savior.
The magnitude and meaning of this simple story is personalized by Paul’s words, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God--through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-25) We must thankful that Christ was born, for through him life has meaning and joy!
By George Slover
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