Words by Chad Hayes | Image by Ryan McGill
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11 (ESV)
Good news: something we all like to receive, right? If given the choice, I expect that everyone would prefer receiving good news rather than bad news.
At times, though, it seems we see bad news almost everywhere we turn. Our social media feeds are filled with political unrest, societal conflict, illness, and suffering.
News arrives in many forms, but Christmas is a wonderful time of celebration when we should remember the greatest news of all: Jesus Christ was born to save us from our sins.
On that first Christmas night, an angel appeared to some humble shepherds to announce the good news of the birth of Jesus. The angel proclaimed to them “good news of great joy” which in the original language literally means “gospel.” That’s right— the first evangelist was an angel.
But what was this good news? It was that a baby was born in Bethlehem.
Who was this child and why was his birth such good news? The angel makes that clear by describing Jesus with three key phrases.
Jesus is the Savior.
The people of Israel in that time were looking for a deliverer who would save them from government oppression or physical frailties, but another angel told Joseph what Jesus really came to save us from.
“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matt. 1:21 (ESV)
The baby lying in the manger on that night two thousand years ago would grow into a man who would live a sinless life, die on a criminal’s cross, and rise from the dead, saving us from sin, death, and hell.
Jesus is the Savior. He is my Savior. Is He yours?
Jesus is the Christ.
The word “Christ” means “Anointed One.” The Old Testament word is “Messiah.” With this declaration, the angel was stating that Jesus was the prophesied Messiah that the Jews had been waiting on for centuries. When Jesus asked his disciples whom they thought He was, Peter answered correctly.
“He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matt. 16:15-16 (ESV)
The title “Christ” became so synonymous with Jesus that it was included as a part of His name. In ancient cultures, both kings and priests were anointed, but Jesus was the only “Anointed One” who is Kings of Kings, Lord of Lords, and the Christ.
What do we call this sacred holiday? “Christ”mas. During the busyness of the holidays, always remember that Jesus is the Christ of Christmas.
Jesus is the Lord.
In describing Jesus as Lord, the angel declares His kingship, power, and authority. The baby boy born in a stable was God in the flesh. In considering this, we turn to Peter once again. This time Peter is preaching to the Jewish leaders after Jesus has ascended into heaven. He proclaims, “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Acts 2:36 (ESV)
The almighty, all-knowing, all-powerful God became an innocent child to purchase eternal life for us and pay the punishment for our sins. The Lord became a suffering servant for you and for me. Now, he sits on the throne at the right hand of God, the Father interceding for us.
This is the good news of Christmas! The empty tomb and the cross were not possible without the manger. Before Jesus could give his life for our sins and overcome them through his resurrection, he had to enter this world as an infant.
Jesus is Savior, Christ, and Lord.
Have you confessed Jesus as your Savior and surrendered to Him as your Lord? If not, I encourage you to speak with a minister, Christian family member, or friend this Christmas about Jesus.
If you are dealing with difficult, trying, or bad news, there’s another headline worth considering that will give you peace and refresh your soul: A SAVIOR IS BORN IN BETHLEHEM.
My prayer is you encounter Jesus Christ and the good news of the Gospel this Christmas. WL
