Celebrating Our Savior

Scripture:  Luke 2:8-20 - Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 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. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men! 15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made [d]widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

When I grew up, I didn’t really understand the real meaning of celebrating Christmas.  The story of Santa Claus was told to me, and I was focused on getting gifts rather than celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.  Later on in life I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and personal Savior.  Then I really started to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas – the Savior’s birth.  Now I can share with you the real meaning of the Savior’s birth just like the shepherds who God used to spread the word --  the good news with great joy which will be to all people.  The Savior was born in the City of David who is Christ our Lord!  Now this is why I celebrate the birth of our Savior:

S -  The Son of man came not to be  served but to serve and gave His life – a ransom for
       many.
       (Isaiah  9:6,  Matthew 20:28)
A -  We worship and adore Him!  (Hebrews 1:6)
V -  He was victorious over death, the devil, hell, and  sin to all who believe/obey  Him –
       that we may walk in victory! (I Corinthians 15:54-58)
I – Indescribable gift -  Jesus Christ, our great Savior and Lord, is the greatest gift of all.  No
      other gift can be compared to Him.  He is unique and very, very, valuable.  He is
      Heaven's  best!
O – Omnipresent -  He promised that He would always be with us.  He will never leave or
        forsake us!  (Hebrews 13:5)
R – Rich – As believers in Jesus Christ we are spiritually rich in redemption because the
       Redeemer has paid the price for our sins on the cross through His blood and
       righteousness.
       We have something that money can’t buy.  We are rich in salvation, grace, mercy, love,
       peace, joy and hope!  (II Corinthians 8:9, Romans 3:24-25)

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  We celebrate the birth of our Savior because You sent Your only begotten Son to pay the price for our sins on the cross!  Help us, with a sense of urgency, to share the good news of Jesus Christ and  to tell others how You have saved and changed us for Your purpose and Your Kingdom and glory!  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(by Pastor Robert Williams)