Christians all over the world celebrate Christmas for a special reason. Contrary to what many say as not biblical, we celebrate the birth of Christ Jesus with a spiritual insight. It is a day when we celebrate the commencement of victory over evil and darkness by the birth of Christ Jesus who is the light of the world. The events of his birth attest to these facts and we celebrate with a thankful heart for living among us on earth and to show us the way to the Father by reconciliation in truth and faith. Luke 2:11 says unto you is born this day of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. We therefore continue to examine this scripture in the light of the circumstances of the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas.
Announcing of Jesus’ birth by an angel
In Matthew 1: 20; Luke 1: 35 an angel appeared to Joseph to confirm that Mary’s conception is of the Holy Spirit. In Matthew 1: 21, 23 an angel of the Lord confirmed Jesus’ identity as Saviour and God’s presence with us. In Matthew 2: 12 an angel warned the wise men not to return to Herod and in verse 13, an angel told Mary and Joseph to take Jesus to Egypt, then a revered land of wisdom, leadership, security and prosperity. The angel referred to Jesus’ birth as good news of great joy which will come to all the people. Jesus therefore had divine approval from heaven as our source of great joy.
John 18: 37 says everyone who is of the truth hears my voice. Matthew 17:5 says this is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him. At Christmas, we celebrate the divine approval or confirmation of Jesus as the messiah, redeemer, source of joy and peace to the world. At Christmas, we must listen to Jesus Christ and pray that the good Lord should accept us also as his children not by works but by grace through Jesus Christ our Lord. What is heaven’s testimony of us at Christmas?
The shepherds with their flock by night
In Luke 2: 8-10 an angel announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds who were keeping watch over their flock by night in the field. Jesus was and still is the great shepherd for our souls hence he angel’s announcement of his birth was to announce the nature of his mission. Jesus said in John 10: 11 that I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Jesus also said in John 10: 27 my sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand.
The angel appeared to the shepherds watching their flock by night when they least expected. It signifies that Christ will come again unexpectedly when no one expects him like a thief does at night. 1 Thessalonians 5: 2 says for the Lord will come like a thief in the night. His unexpected second coming will be good news to those who are diligent and watchful like the shepherds did at night against wolves. To God’s elect, it will be a joyful occasion but to others, a time of irreversible destruction and curse. Jesus said in Matthew 26: 41; Mark 14: 38; Luke 21 36, watch and pray. Are we vigilant for the second coming of Christ Jesus as good shepherds for his sheep? Jesus is surely coming again and so soon!
At Christmas, we are reminded to be each one’s shepherd as Jesus Christ did for us. In that wise, we pray for one another and ask for their security from the good shepherd Jesus Christ in the glory which was around him at birth. Are we willing and committed to be shepherds for Jesus? We are in the last days and precious souls are perishing and we cannot neglect them in the soul winning business. Ephesians 6:12 says we are not contending against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers and rulers of darkness and spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Be not deceived.
Herod’s request to also worship Jesus
In Matthew 2: 8 when Herod heard and enquired of Jesus’ birth, and being fearful of Jesus as a rival king said with malice to the wise men, go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him bring me word, that I too may come and worship him. In Matthew 2: 16 when he realized the wise men did not come back but had tricked him, he ordered all children of Jesus’ age and below to be killed with the hope that Jesus would also be killed. Herod’s request was deceptive, cynical and evil. It was nonetheless a divine confession and an admission from Herod who stood for the Antichrist that Jesus Christ as a King though against his natural will. God’s will and his truth shall always prevail against ours.
At Christmas we pray to the Lord to heal us of such or similar heinous and cynical characters. We pray to be truthful and transparent with God and with our neighbours. We cannot mock God. Galatians 6:7 says do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he shall also reap. Genesis 6: 5; 8: 21 confirms that the Lord knows the imagination of the thoughts of man’s heart. At Christmas let us open our hearts to Jesus Christ to wash us of our sins and the wrongs we do. Matthew 10:26; Luke 12:2 says there is nothing hidden that shall not be made manifest or revealed. Herod’s machination was revealed by God because he knows our hearts from birth. We cannot hide anything from Jesus Christ.
God’s invitation to us at Christmas
God wants us to observe the day and the season of Christmas prayerfully; truthfully; unconditionally loving and forgiving one another; inviting and welcoming Christ Jesus into our homes through the doors of our hearts; and living righteous and holy lives based on scripture and the word of God. John 1: 10 says he was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. Now that we know who Jesus Christ is, we invite ourselves to join hands at Christmas to celebrate him with a thankful heart to the Lord God Almighty who has made all things possible. We implore you to seek for Jesus Christ and his character of gentleness, meekness and mildness who is a King of heaven, Amen!!
Prayer
Lord Jesus, on this day of your birth, we invite you to come into our hearts, to stay and to dine with us so we may never be the same. As the King of the universe before whom all nations shall gather at your mercy seat, we worship you as our Lord and blessed savior of peace and as our eternal companion. Please accept our hearts as our gifts to you on your birth. In your holy name we pray, Amen!!
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