December 21, 2006

Merry Christmas

“The Kingdom of Christ is a proclamation of peace and grace, as the angels sang that He should be the Savior of the whole world to free His people and save them from their sins... [T]his Lord Christ does not build castles, towns and villages like an emperor, king or elector of Saxony, or even like me in my own household, but He saves His people from their sins. This is a fair, dear and precious assurance to troubled and tormented consciences laden with sins, that to them and to us all a Child is born who will rule and vindicate. Who will help, and not destroy, murder, strangle or kill. These are not the words of man. This preaching is from heaven... If one does not know the Baby Jesus, it is impossible that one should rightly honor God.”            —Martin Luther

Christmas is a time we gather with family and friends to honor Christ. It's also a time of celebration.  The celebration of the birth of God's gift to mankind, Christ, the Savior of the whole world. This is the true message of Christmas, that in order to redeem us, God Himself came to us in the most vulnerable human form, a baby.

Christ is God's gift of salvation to all humans who are fallen and lost in their sins.

Amidst all the preparation, presents, food and celebration, let’s remember to take time out of our busy schedules and give honor and praise to the One who this season is really about, Christ Jesus the Lord.

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”’ —Luke 2:8-14
Posted by Brother Ron at 23:24:31 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |