Christ...Our Savior

"In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.'"

Let's spend the next two weeks in preparation for a significant time of personal worship of the One Whose birth we commemorate at Christmas. Each day our focus will shift to another indispensable aspect of the Christ-child: today His role as Savior.

The shepherds heard an angelic host announce the arrival of "a Savior,...Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11). Can you imagine the mental image these men and boys had of a national savior, divinely heralded by a choir or angels? Why, the nation of Israel no doubt would soon be freed from the pesky Roman rule. They would have a kingdom once again like that of David's historic, glorious reign.

No, God's redemptive plan far superseded earthly kingdoms and thrones. Many in Jesus' day were unable to recognize the arrival of the Promised One - even though they studied the Scriptures and knew what to look for.

"Poor, ignorant, blind, foolish, men," we sadly say. "They missed the greatest opportunity in the history of the world." But think for a moment: If Jesus came today, would you recognize him? What standard would you use to decide if He was Who He claimed to be?