Luke 2:1-14 "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was Governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one unto his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn SON, and wrapped HIM in swaddling clothes, and laid HIM in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
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. And the angel said unto them, 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 SAVIOR, 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. 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, good will toward men."
The angelic message given to the shepherds on that night so long ago near the village of Bethlehem is truly fascinating: "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a SAVIOR, which is CHRIST the LORD" (v.11 pictured above). The angel assigned three titles to JESUS that are replete with meaning; he proclaimed JESUS as "SAVIOR" (DELIVERER), "CHRIST" (meaning MESSIAH, the ANOINTED ONE), and the "LORD," declaring HIM to be JEHOVAH -- the supreme, eternal BEING and RULER of the heavens and the Earth.
HE is our SAVIOR, which is expressed in HIS name: JESUS. An angel assured Joseph that Mary was with child by the power of the SPIRIT of GOD, that she would bare a SON, and that HIS name was to be "JESUS: for HE shall save HIS people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21 pictured above). HE is CHRIST, the ANOINTED of GOD, MESSIAH of Israel, acknowledged as such by Peter where he declared, "THOU art the CHRIST, the SON of the living GOD" (Matthew 16:16). HE is the LORD, GOD manifest in the flesh, as John recorded in his Gospel account: "In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD. . .And the WORD was made flesh, and dwelt among us,(and we beheld HIS glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the FATHER,) full of grace and truth" (John 1:1,14).
What an announcement that angel proclaimed to those lowly shepherds ! The promised REDEEMER was born (Genesis 3:15). HE came "to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). HE "took upon HIM the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:7 pictured above) for fallen creatures, "dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1). HALLELUAH, what a SAVIOR ! Rejoice with the shepherds at the birth of JESUS CHRIST ! JED
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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