Christmas 2010
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. (God with us). Matt 1:22-24.
Isaiah 9:2, 6 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the deep darkness a light has dawned...For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
In these passages which we so often read during Christmas we find a wonderful joyful message that speaks about why Jesus should come and do.
In the context these passages are written it is not always so cute and nice as we imagine the Christmas message. The background which is characterized tells us about a dark and cruel situation, a place with deep darkness, a country in war.
God presents an answer to this problem: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given...
The answer to Israel's tears was so unexpected that they couldn't see it when He was born and was walking around them.
John 1:9-10 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.
They were waiting for another solution on their problem, probably they thought that the Messiah would rule by force and weapon and so give Israel freedom.
I believe that people during all times are rather alike, and the foundational needs are very much alike.
The Gospel of Luke tells us about the birth of Jesus. When He was born in the stable not far away from there some shepherds were watching their herds and an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and he told them, “...Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
The answer for mankind's biggest and greatest need was that He sent us a Savior to redeem us from our sin. Dear friends, the biggest problem for us today is not solved in an economical, political way.
Money, more free time, less study or work isn't our biggest need or problem. The darkness, depression is in the heart of every person and that is sin. The root of all evil, and that we are hurting each other is all of the sin that lives inside of us and this was what forced God to send His only begotten Son to sacrifice Himself on Calvary for you and me. Because of His sacrifice the sin is paid for and the victory is won.
The message of Christmas is about recognizing that Jesus came. Why did He leave heaven to become one of us? Why was He born in a stable and laid in a manger? When He was born there were not many people recognizing Him. They were not waiting for Him to come in that way. But He came and was walking among them. He laid down His life and bore our sins.
The message of Christmas is also to accept the free gift that God offers you. Worship Him as the shepherds and the wise men did. John 1:12 says, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
