The True Message of Christmas (Luke 2:10-12)

The first message, announcement, of the birth of Christ was given to shepherds. Imagine, the lowliest, poorest, most disregarded class of Jewish society were the first to hear of Christ's birth. And not just a casual announcement, either. An angel came who was then joined by "a multitude of the heavenly host" singing praises to God for this great miracle. Let's look at this message given, because it was the most powerful, most complete, and truest message given of the Christ.

In verses 10-12 we have the message: "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger."

In the Greek, verses 10 & 11 are laid out like this:
     The Announcement
        The Time
           A Savior
           Christ
           The Lord
        The Place
     The Sign

You can see that the heart of the message is "a Savior, Christ the Lord." Let's look at that to discover why this is the strongest message of Christmas - and the only true message.

Not a helper, but a Savior. A Savior is for the lost. Jesus says of himself, "I am come to seek and save that which is lost." We are lost because He recognizes us as lost, whether we do or not. He is the One coming, He is the One dying, He is he One rising on the third day, He is the One Coming again - for us, whether we realize it or not.

Christ the Lord. He is the Lord of all power and might; therefore, He is able to save. In these three words we find the entire gospel. It is good news as to a Person. And it is distinctly Christianity, which is about a person, as opposed to Religion, which consists of Articles, Creeds, Doctrines, and Confessions - all that is outward.

The angels sang of a Person, not a new tradition. They sang of His majesty, not a prescribed litany.
     When they gathered in the sky, it was to adore the Savior.
          When the shepherds knelt before Jesus, it was to worship the
                      One of whom the angels sang.
               When the wisemen brought gifts, it was for the One Who
                           would save His people from their sins.

This Christmas day, should our lives not be for the proclamation of the Lord's Anointed, the One Who is full of grace and truth? The One Who alone can save us out of our every predicament? The only One Who can give true joy and light?

So I say to you, Merry Christmas! Christ the Savior is born!