A Promise is Born

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.  She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.  Luke 2:6-7

Merry Christmas Friends.  I pray that we are all celebrating the birth of our Savior and LORD instead of getting caught up in the festivities which usually over shadow the true meaning of Christmas.  I encourage you read and study the Scriptures which reveal to us about the birth of our Savior.  Could it be that we are missing important nuggets which we may have never noticed before?

The time had arrived, the time for the birth of the Savior of the world.  The prophet Micah, centuries earlier, had foretold that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem.  Joseph and Mary had traveled to Bethlehem to register for the census which Caesar Augustus had issued.  This one man Caesar Augustus thought he was in control, but our Heavenly Father had a plan.  This plan was for our Savior to be born in the town of Bethlehem during this time of the census.  So often we think we do things according to our timing, but our LORD has a plan and a purpose for us and His timing is perfect.  Luke 2:6-7 – While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.  The prophecies had come true.  Jesus, the Savior of the world was born.  The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth - John 1:14.  When the Messiah was born in the stable in Bethlehem, God became man.  Jesus, the Messiah was completely human and completely divine.  Colossians 2:9 – For in Christ all the fullness of Deity lives in bodily form. 

Jesus, our Messiah, lived and amazing life.  He died on the cross for our sins, ascended to Heaven, and will return to earth to rule over all.  Jesus is the Lamb of God, who was born to take away the sins of the world.  The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” – John 1:29.  Friend, Jesus paid the price for your sin by his death.  Accept his gift of salvation.  No Christmas gift you will receive can compare to the free gift of salvation Jesus is offering you today. 

In Luke 2:21-40, scripture reveals to us that Simeon and Anna recognized the Messiah when he was brought to the temple.  They accepted that this baby was the Messiah whom Old Testament prophets had prophesied would come into the world.  It had been revealed to him (Simeon) by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.  Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts.   When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God…Luke 2:26-28.  On this day, Simeon recognized that this baby was the true Messiah who would be a light to the entire world.  People would either joyfully accept Jesus as their Savior or reject him.

On this day the prophet Anna was also drawn to the Messiah.  Luke 2:38 – Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.  Friend, are you being drawn to the Messiah today.  Search your heart to determine if Jesus is your Savior and LORD.  If you have not accepted Jesus as your Savior and LORD, I pray you will accept Him today.

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray today that we will remember the true meaning of the Christmas season.  Help us to reflect upon the birth of our Savior and LORD.  I pray that we will share with others about the birth of our Messiah.  LORD, I pray for our family and friends that if they don’t know You as Savior and LORD that they will surrender their lives to You today.  In Jesus Precious Name I Pray…..Amen.