The night
Jesus the Savior was born, I imagine there was great excitement in heaven, and
for a good reason; God had become Man in the person of His Son Jesus. The angel
(the assigned-announcer) was so elated, he could not contain himself; he was
down to earth in a flash, and where did he go? He visited some shepherds
watching over their flocks in the field that night. “And the angel said unto
them: ‘Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all
people’” (Luke 2:10 KJV).
Needless to say, this announcement was followed by the
instant heavenly choir, praising God: “Glory to God in the highest, and on
earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14 KJV). The shepherds, being overjoyed,
wasted no time; they made haste to go and search for the Baby that would bring
new life to many, including you, me, and all who would believe.
After they
verified the announcement (saw Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus), the shepherds
“… made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child”
(Luke 2:17 KJV). In other words, they shared this news with all who would
listen, freely, with joy and excitement!
Do we
Christians have a message to share? You bet we do! Our message is the
continuation of the shepherds’ message. See, the shepherds shared that the
Savior had been born, but now, we have the privilege to share that not only was
Jesus born, but He lived a sin-free life among men, died, and rose from the
dead, and is alive forevermore!!!
So what is
the implication of all that, and why should we follow the angel’s example? This
means GOOD NEWS: Jesus has become the bridge/mediator between us and God. Jesus
is saving lives, and preparing them for heaven. His death was the death we
sinners should have died as penalty for our sins, but God out of love for us
substituted His Son, Jesus: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have
everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV).
If the angel
was excited about the birth that really wasn’t for his benefit, shouldn’t we be
equally, or more, excited? You see, angels have no idea how it feels to be
forgiven; they’ve never experienced salvation, but we have. So let’s share this
message, along with the testimony that salvation through Jesus brings changes
that we Christians can attest to: “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a
new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17
NLT)
The angel’s
message is supposed to be for all people, but sadly, not everybody has heard
this saving message: “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not
believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And
how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they
be sent? As it is written, how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the
gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:14-15 KJV).
May God help us to understand the urgency of this need. People shouldn’t go to
hell, which is the alternative to heaven, when they don’t have to. We are the
sent ones referred to in the Romans passage; let’s be obedient and share the
Word with enthusiasm and urgency. Merry Christmas; Jesus saves!
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